By Chuks Eke
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama has ordered a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting of two traders on Wednesday by some policemen attached to Bridgehead Police Division in Onitsha.
CP Ama who gave the order when he visited the victims in a hospital where they are currently receiving medical attention as a result of their shattered leg and hand, said the investigation should particularly include the events leading to the discharge of the firearm by the policemen.
He further stressed that the investigation would establish the facts and ensure that appropriate action is taken based on its findings.
He therefore appealed for calm and urged members of the public to remain peaceful and allow the investigation to run its course,even as he reiterated the Command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, respect for human life and the rule of law.
The CP who also addressed a mammoth crowd in Onitsha who wanted to go wild over the incident arising from a confrontation during an attempted arrest, stated that the immediate priority of the Command is to ensure that the victims recover fully.
The incident according to the source, occurred when the policemen opened fire as the victims allegedly resisted arrest and attempted to flee as the policemen confronted them with cartons of goods.
The Commissioner of Police subsequently visited the victims at the hospital, where he assured them of the Command’s support and pledged to personally ensure that their medical expenses are covered.
The source stated that as a result of the shooting, hell was almost let loose as some aggrieved traders and passersby barricaded the scene which caused traffic jam for a while before the arrival of the CP and after addressing the crowd, traffic and human movement around the Head Bridge area began to de-escalate, with free flow of vehicular and human movement restored.
