A tragic incident has been reported in Ebonyi State, where a labourer lost his life after being hit by a stray bullet during a violent clash between policemen and a soldier. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning in the Ugwuachara village, located in the Ebonyi Local Government Area of the state, and has left the community in mourning.
The Commissioner of Police, Adaku Uche-Anya, confirmed the unfortunate incident in a statement released on Wednesday. According to her, the clash erupted during a ‘stop-and-search’ operation being conducted by policemen in the area, which led to a confrontation with the soldier, who was reportedly dressed in mufti and riding a motorcycle.
Eyewitness accounts and reports suggest that the chaos began when the policemen attempted to search the soldier as part of their routine patrol duties. A scuffle reportedly ensued during this process, as the soldier allegedly tried to disarm one of the policemen. In the ensuing struggle, a bullet was discharged, striking a bystander who happened to be a labourer, leading to his death.
In addition to the fatality, three other individuals sustained varying degrees of injuries during the clash. The injured victims were immediately rushed to a hospital, where they are said to be responding to treatment. The Commissioner of Police emphasized that the bullet discharge was accidental, clarifying that the policemen involved did not intentionally open fire on bystanders during the incident.
Further investigations revealed that the soldier involved in the clash is currently serving in Operation Kachayanma in Kaduna State but was on official leave in Ebonyi State at the time of the incident. His identity has been verified, and both the soldier and the policemen involved in the scuffle are now in police custody as investigations continue.
Commissioner Adaku Uche-Anya provided additional details, stating, “The soldier was trying to disarm one of the policemen, and during the struggle, the bullet went off, hitting a bystander who was present at the scene. It was not a case of the policemen opening fire on bystanders. Unfortunately, one person has died, while three others sustained injuries but are currently receiving medical care in the hospital.”
She further assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident. The police are working to ensure that justice is served, and measures are being taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The tragic event has sparked reactions from members of the community, who have expressed their grief and concerns over the safety of civilians during law enforcement operations. Calls for accountability and improved handling of such confrontations have grown louder as the investigation unfolds.
