Police Officer Kills Okada Man Over Traffic Offence

One person was shot dead and another critically injured, yesterday, by policemen in Ikom Local Government Area of Rivers State over traffic offence. The incident resulted in widespread protest and restricted the movement of policemen in the area.

Vanguard gathered from former youth leader, Mr. Richard Agbor, who spoke on telephone, that the trouble started, yesterday, when policemen on vehicle inspection exercise at Abiji Nkpor, Ikom Urban Ward 1 accosted a commercial motorcyclist, Mr. Bachott Ese and demanded for his bike particulars.

Agbor, who said he was an eyewitness, said: "A disagreement ensued between the policemen and Ese, leading to a struggle for the possession of the bike. The boy was later wrestled to the ground by three constables.

"While the struggle continued, a Sergeant in the team suddenly pulled out his AK47, cocked the gun and without further warning, shot the boy at close range.

"The shooting sparked-off a protest by youths in the town, who march to the police office at the Four-Corners, demanding justice and prosecution of the Sergeant for the unlawful killing of the cyclist."

Source: Vanguard