The Rivers state Police Command has disarmed, arrested and detained a trigger-happy officer.
The unnamed Mobile Policeman was said to have shot and killed a bus driver at Whimpy, along Ikwerre road in Port Harcourt.
Eyewitnesses say the police officer released bullet during a scuffle with the bus driver who bluntly refused to give a N100 tip to the policeman.
The incident sparked up a riot with protesters and sympathisers taking over the stretch of Ikwerre Road, the second longest and busiest street in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
The protesters who have been on the streets since Friday, August 7 have seized more roads, causing heavy traffic.
They also set bonfire along several spots, leaving many residents and commuters stranded.
Reacting to the disturbing development, State Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike told newsmen in Port Harcourt that the action of the Policeman was avoidable.
CP Ezike disclosed that investigations have commenced into the incident with orders from the IGP that the officer be charged to court immediately after the investigation.
While condoling with the family of the deceased driver, the Rivers Police boss appealed to the protesters and rioters to avoid escalating the current situation adding that hoodlums may hijack and take advantage of the situation.
“A mobile Police man shot and killed one James Imahlu, a 37 year old man in clearly an avoidable manner and circumstance. This action sparked-up spontaneous reaction from drivers, sympathisers and indeed members of the public who rightly saw the action of the Policeman as unjustifiable.
“The protest spilled to major highways and caused traffic dislocation and pains to members of the public.
“The policeman was promptly disarmed, arrested and detained while I ordered full scale investigation into circumstances of this painful incident. I sympathise nd condole with the family of the deceased in the loss of their loved one
“I condemn in unmistakable terms the action of the police man as preliminary facts available to me reveal that this action was clearly avoidable.
“However, I shall await the outcome of full investigation as have been early ordered. The Inspector-General has been fully briefed and is saddened by the action of the mobile policeman. He has also ordered that the mobile policeman be charged to court immediately the investigation is concluded.
“The protest appeared to have been hijacked by hoodlums and cultists as entreaties for peace have falling on deaf ears. Some of them are dressed in uniforms and attires that clearly belong to cultists. Two wrongs cannot make a right.
“I therefore appeal to the deceased family, the National Union of Road Transport Workers, drivers union and indeed parents and guardians to calm frail nerves and allow peace to reign.
“On our part, we shall ensure that justice is done to this matter. We will continue to monitor this situation as adequate security has been put in place to ensure a safer and better Port Harcourt for everybody,” CP Ezike said.
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