Global Rights, Others Decry Rampant Killings of State Agents in Uniform

Gunmen kill two Police officers, one civilian in Imo

Ikechukwu Aleke in Abuja and Tony Icheku in Owerri 

The Community of Practice Against Mass Atrocities and its allied organisations, under the auspices of Nigeria Mourns, have decried the brutal killing of six civilians and five soldiers during an attack at a military checkpoint at Obikabia Junction in Obingwa Local Government Area, Abia State, on May 30, 2024, by unidentified gunmen.

The coalition also called for an immediate investigation into the incident to account for the heinous act.

This  is just as two police officers and a civilian have been killed by  gunmen at a police checkpoint in Imo State.  The incident occurred at Ama-John Junction, along Okigwe Road in Owerri in the early hours of yesterday

In a statement yesterday, it noted the inordinately high price Nigeria’s security forces pay time and again while protecting lives and property.

“We condole their families and the families of the military personnel and civilians killed in this attack and other attacks across Nigeria.” 

“We acknowledge the complex and painful history of distrust between civilians and law enforcement,  particularly in the South East, and note that this has continued to exacerbate insecurity in the region.

“ The most recent attacks by unidentified assailants will only further deepen this narrative, except if this is stemmed by the exercise of restraint on the part of the military by allowing the due process of investigation and prosecution for the crime,” it stated.

The coalition also urged the military and members of the community in which these atrocious acts took place, to exercise restraint, allow the police to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation and not resort to acts of vengeance or reprisals.

“It is imperative that we trust in the due process of law to bring those responsible to justice. Retaliatory actions can only serve to escalate the cycle of violence and undermine the principles of justice and peace that we strive to uphold.

“We believe this crisis presents an opportunity for the military to change the prevailing public perception of their disregard for the rule of law and rebuild trust with the civilian population, reinforcing the values of discipline and integrity, which are the cornerstones of their commitment to service,” the statement said.

Given the foregoing, the coalition demands that the police force promptly conducts a thorough and impartial investigation and bring those responsible for the attacks to justice.

The findings of the investigations, it said, should be made public to ensure transparency in the process and build public trust.

“ The government, must provide adequate support and compensation to the families of victims – both military and civilian. The government must also promote initiatives that promote dialogue and cooperation between civilians and security forces to rebuild trust and social cohesion to prevent further attacks,” it said.

Meanwhile, two police officers and a civilian have been killed by  gunmen at a police checkpoint in Imo State.

The incident occurred at Ama-John Junction, along Okigwe Road in Owerri in the early hours of yesterday

The incident came to the knowledge of residents in the state through a viral video circulating on the social media.

 A voice in the video said: “This just happened now, (06.25). Unknown gunmen have killed two policemen and a civilian.”

The police officers were seen lying helplessly on the ground and another body was shown in a room.

An eyewitness account said that the unknown gun men, who were four in number, escaped in a Toyota Sienna bus after the shooting.

Businesses were shut down in the area as shop owners closed their shops out of fear.

The Imo State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Henry Okoye, described the incident as unfortunate.

Okoye added that the two officers had been confirmed dead and the Commissioner of Police, CP. Aboki Danjuma, has mobilised a tactical operation to the scene to apprehend the perpetrators.

He said: “Currently, a massive operation is underway in the area to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the heinous crime,” he said.