Commuters and other road users were on Wednesday stranded for over an hour on the Umuikaa, Isiala Ngwa South LGA axis of Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway as youths in the area took to the road to protest the alleged killing of a commercial driver by an official of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Isiala Ngwa Division.
While details of the incident are still sketchy, DAILY POST, however, gathered that the commercial motorist carrying perishable and non-perishable food items reportedly had a heated argument with the NSCDC personnel.
Sources claimed that the driver in the midst of the argument attempted driving off, before being shot by the NSCDC official.
The incident was said to have angered youths in the area who attempted lynching the NSCDC official.
The NSCDC official, who narrowly escaped death by the whiskers, ran into a police station in the area for safety.
According to an eyewitness, “the driver carrying tomatoes among other food items approached the Civil Defence checkpoint where they (NSCDC) were enforcing the order of the governor (Ikpeazu) on COVID-19 after they flagged him down.
“We didn’t know what they were discussing initially, but when tempers started flaring, the driver was accusing him (NSCDC) personnel of extortion.
“The driver said that he can’t give him more than what he has given (bribe) to him (the NSCDC official), insisting that the restriction order doesn’t affect drivers carrying food items.
“When the temper was high, we left and were watching the drama from afar. The driver tried driving off and the next thing we heard was a gunshot. We all ran away and by the time we came back, we saw the driver in the pool of his blood.”
However, efforts to reach the spokesman of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abia State command for his response were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, the state government has expressed rude shock over development.
In a press release signed by the State Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu and made available to newsmen in Umuahia on Wednesday, the state government condemned the nefarious acts which it claimed, are now almost becoming a regular occurrence in the state.
The government appealed to members of the public to remain calm and not to take aws into their hands, assuring them that no effort will be spared in ensuring that justice is done swiftly.
It, however, urged arm-bearing security agents in the state to ensure that they fully follow service guidelines regarding the use of firearms at all times as the state government will not spare any effort in ensuring full protection of the right to life of its people.
“Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has directed the State Commissioner of Police to immediately apprehend the suspect(s) and fully investigate the circumstances leading to the latest unfortunate incident at Umuikaa junction and ensure that justice is done swiftly.
“We commiserate with the family and friends of the deceased and, once again, call on security agents bearing arms to be responsible and follow relevant service rules regarding the use of firearms,” the state read.
