Two individuals have tragically lost their lives in the Obi Local Government Area following a violent confrontation between an army officer and a police special constabulary on Sunday.
The incident occurred at Agyaragu Market during an investigation related to a motorcycle theft reported earlier that day around 12:30 PM.
According to a statement from the Police Relations Officer in the state, DSP Ramhan Nansel, the situation escalated after a suspect was apprehended by police operatives working alongside a Police Special Constabulary from the Jenkwe Division.
As the officers were transporting the suspect to the police station, a soldier, who was reportedly on leave from his posting in Borno State, intervened violently in an attempt to obstruct the arrest.
The statement described how the soldier drew a knife and attacked the Police Special Constabulary.
“In self-defence, the soldier was overpowered, and his knife was used against him. They both sustained varying degrees of injuries, and the wounded soldier was subsequently confirmed dead,” the statement said in part.
In the aftermath of the incident, tensions in the area escalated. Groups of local youths mobilized and retaliated by storming the police station, where they set fire to the building in protest.
The police responded to the unrest, resulting in clashes that led to three of the attackers being injured by police fire, one of whom was later confirmed dead.
“Upon receipt of the information, the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Nadada immediately visited the scene alongside Military personnel from Operation Whirl Stroke, 177 Guards Battalion and 22 Quick Response Unit where he swiftly ordered the deployment of a unit of Police Mobile Force, a cell of Counter Terrorist Unit and Tactical units to restore peace in the area,” the statement added.
The statement concluded by reassuring the public that normalcy has been restored in the area and that an investigation is underway. The Commissioner has also initiated a manhunt for those involved in the violent protest.
