3 Days After, Police Releases Powerful Statement Contrary To What Was Reported Earlier On The Recent Anambra Shootings, Defends Top APC Members
The Anambra Police Command, has debunked stories making the rounds that three persons were killed in Onitsha, on Friday, during the flag-off campaign of the Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Tony Nwoye, in the November 18 poll in the State.
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However, in press statement made available, on Sunday night, by the Police Public Relations Officer in the State, Nkeiruka Nwode, the Command absolved the APC of any killings during the rally.
The Command noted that there was no iota of truth in the stories trying to link the APC with the fracas that happened at Nkpor, near Onitsha, on the said day.
While dissociating the APC from the killings, the Police Command said it had become necessary to set the record straight.
The statement read in part: “Following the shooting incident and disturbance of public peace at Tarzan Junction, Nkpor, along the popular Enugu-Onitsha expressway, on Friday, 20th October, 2017, the Police Command wishes to set the record straight.
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“At about 6pm on 20/10/2017, a Police patrol team on stop and search duties, stopped the driver of a suspected Camry vehicle for routine check.
“The driver failed to stop as directed. He was chased by the Police team from Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) roundabout, Onitsha, and subsequently accosted at Tarzan Junction, Nkpor, as a result of traffic build-up.
“In a bid to search the vehicle properly, a melee ensued and the driver was shot by Police.
“Unfortunately the driver died on the spot. A thorough search of the vehicle revealed fifteen bags of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.”
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Nwode said that some angry mob in the area had to set ablaze a security pick-up van that was seen approaching the junction, adding that, the driver of the vehicle escaped unhurt.
She added: “Sadly, a motor boy on an approaching trailer vehicle on sighting the angry mob jumped down from the trailer and lost his life at the spot. He was reported to have been crushed to death by a hit-and-run vehicle.”
The PPRO noted that miscreants unaware of the true facts behind the incident, took advantage of the situation to gather up for a mob action.
She said: “The Command wishes to use this medium to warn against spreading false rumors targeted to heat up the polity, as the incident has no connection with any political party/activities.”
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