The situation in Warri, Delta State, is tensed after an unknown soldier deployed to enforce the stay at home order shot and killed a young man identified as Joseph Pessu.
Some of they residents took to the streets to protest and mob soldiers, seizing their rifles and attempting to set them ablaze.
The incident occurred at Ugbuwangue community in Warri South Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, on the second day of the lockdown directive issued by the state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa.
The victim was riding his power bike along the Ugbuwangue axis of the NPA Expressway, Warri, and was flagged down by a team of the security operatives, who gave him a hot chase when he refused to stop for proper identification.
Vexed by his action, one of the officers was said to have aimed and shot him dead.
The victim, who wore a white shirt and red trousers, was reportedly taken to the Police Area Command, Warri as sympathizers flocked the scene.
Police authorities in the state who confirmed the killing, said they have commenced an investigation into the incident.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Onome Onovwakpoyeya, however, noted that the details of the incident were unclear.
Asked whether the victim was killed by a soldier, she said, “Yes, it is true. It just happened today, as I was told, and there is not much information yet.”
The Chairman of Warri South LGA, Mr Michel Tidi, also said that he had reported the case to the appropriate authorities.
He explained that he attended a meeting held at the office of the Police Area Commander in Warri, over the incident.
According to Tidi, representatives of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, as well as the community head and the head of the victim’s family were present.
On what was discussed at the meeting, he said they demanded that the soldier be prosecuted while assurances were given that the security official would be brought to justice.
“They (army authorities) assured the family; they assured me as the council chairman that they are going into the matter swiftly to ensure that the perpetrator of this crime is brought to book and of courses, they also promised to keep the family members posted regularly on how they go about their investigation,” the local government chairman said.
He added, “Everywhere is calm now. The matter is still under investigation and don’t forget there is a ‘stay at home’ order.
“We are just calling on our people to remain calm. The compliance level thus far in the local government has been quite impressive if not for this reported incident.”
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