A confrontation between a soldier and police officers in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital on Wednesday has left one person dead and three others injured.
According to reports, the incident occurred in Ugwuachara village, Ebonyi Local Government Area, when the policemen attempted to search a soldier on a motorcycle during a stop-and-search operation.
The report said a scuffle broke out as the soldier allegedly tried to disarm one of the officers and during the altercation, a firearm discharged, fatally striking a bystanding labourer.
Confirming the incident, Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, Adaku Uche-Anya, stated, “The soldier was trying to disarm one of the policemen when the bullet discharged and hit a bystander. It was not a case of the policemen opening fire on bystanders.”
The CP noted, “One person died, and three others are injured but are responding to treatment in hospital.
“We have identified the soldier, who is stationed in Kaduna. Both the soldier and the policemen involved are in our custody.”
