Gov. Ikpeazu orders full investigation into killing of commercial bus driver

• …NSCDC says that it is in talk with deceased family

The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has ordered the Commissioner of Police; CP Okon Ene to begin full investigation into the killing of a commercial bus driver by a Civil Defence personnel on Wednesday at Umuikaa junction, Isiala Ngwa South LGA axis of Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.

In a release issued by the State Commissioner of Information, Chief John Okiyi-Kalu on Thursday, Governor Ikpeazu who frowned at the killing of innocent Abians in the period of the lockdown, also asked the Police Commissioner to ensure that justice was swiftly done.

The State Governor while commiserating with the family of the deceased, called on security agencies handing arms to be responsible and follow relevant service rules regarding the use of fire arms.

Abia Chief Security officer while appealing to the members of the public to remain calm and not take the laws into their hands assured that no effort will be spared in ensuring that justice is done swiftly.

“We also strongly urge arm bearing security agents in the state to ensure that they fully follow service guidelines regarding the use of firearms at all times as the state Government will not spare any effort in ensuring full protection of the right to life of our people.

“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.

However, in a release by the Abia State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, signed by the DSC Ndukwe Egwu, the Command’s spokesman on behalf of the State Commandant, Barr. Nnamdi Nwannukwu gave the name of the driver of the RS Sharon Space Wagon as Amobi Igwe, an indigene of Ebonyi State while the name of the NSCDC personnel is Eke Richard.

But contrary to the earlier report that the NSCDC personnel shot the driver in a heated argument, Nwannukwu in the release said “operatives of the corps while enforcing the State Government’s lockdown order, flagged down the driver identified as Amobi Igwe from Isiagu in Ebonyi State at a checkpoint at Umuekea Junction to ascertain whether he was on essential service for being on the road at a time he was supposed to be home in line with the lockdown. In the process, the driver sped off dangerously, skidded over the barricade and brushed the officer with the car. 

“The action of the driver raised suspicion amongst the operatives that he could be a criminal, attempting to beat security. This development prompted one of the operatives at the checkpoint, SIC Eke Richard, to fire a shot targeting the tyres.

“Unfortunately, the bullet strayed and hit the driver, leaving him seriously wounded. He was subsequently rushed to a nearby hospital where he was confirmed dead.

“It is necessary to debunk the rumour that the deceased was shot while conveying foodstuffs. It is also not true that the deceased was shot for not offering bribe to the Operative as the Corps is reputable and does not condone bribe taking.

“Meanwhile, full scale investigation into the incident has commenced.

The command promises that the outcome of the investigation will be made public, while urging them to remain calm and desist from taking the law into their hand.

“Furthermore, the command wishes to also assure members of the public that any member of the Corps found to have violated the rules guiding the use of firearms will not be spared.”

The NSCDC commandant also added that the Command through her Spokesman – DSC Ndukwe Agu Egwu has established contact with one Ogbonna Igwe (M),  the younger brother of the deceased and condoled with the family, adding that the Command is also perfecting arrangements to visit other members of the family.