An official of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Isiala Ngwa Division has allegedly shot dead a commerical bus driver today, April 15 in Abia State.
WITHIN NIGERIA learnt that the victim was reportedly carrying perishable and non-perishable food items in his car to deliver when he was stopped by the NSCDC official.
There were speculations that the driver and the official got into an argument over bribe but as at the time of reportage, the reason for the argument has not been verified.
It was also learnt that the driver allegedly tried to drive off during the argument and the NSCDC official allegedly shot at him, killing him.
Youths in the area of the tragic incident stormed the streets to protest the alleged killing leading to heavy traffic on the Umuikaa, Isiala Ngwa South LGA axis of Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway.
Youths in the area were angered by the incident and they attempted lynching the NSCDC official.
The NSCDC official narrowly escaped death by running into a police station in the area.
According to an eyewitness accounts, “the driver carrying tomatoes among other food items approached the Civil Defence checkpoint where they (NSCDC) were enforcing the order of the governor (Ikpeazu) on COVID-19 after they flagged him down.
“We didn’t know what they were discussing initially, but when tempers started flaring, the driver was accusing him (NSCDC) personnel of extortion.
“The driver said that he can’t give him more than what he has given (bribe) to him (the NSCDC official), insisting that the restriction order doesn’t affect drivers carrying food items.
“When the temper was high, we left and were watching the drama from afar. The driver tried driving off and the next thing we heard was a gunshot. We all ran away and by the time we came back, we saw the driver in the pool of his blood.”
Reacting on the incident, the state governor has expressed shock over the development.
In a press release signed by the State Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu and made available to newsmen in Umuahia on Wednesday, the state governor condemned the act.
The governor also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and not to take law into their hands.
The statement reads: “Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has directed the State Commissioner of Police to immediately apprehend the suspect(s) and fully investigate the circumstances leading to the latest unfortunate incident at Umuikaa junction and ensure that justice is done swiftly.
“We commiserate with the family and friends of the deceased and, once again, call on security agents bearing arms to be responsible and follow relevant service rules regarding the use of firearms.”