Bloody weekend in Onitsha as police, drivers clash

Two persons were reported killed at the weekend following a clash that ensued between the police and a vehicle driver at Tarzan junction, Nkpor, along the Enugu-Onitsha expressway in Onitsha, Anambra state.

It was gathered that the police patrol team on stop-and-search duties at the Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) roundabout, had at about 6pm, flagged down the deceased with a Camry car for routine check.

An eyewitness told newsmen that the driver’s refusal to stop as directed, led to his being pursued by the police team and was later accosted at Tarzan Junction, Nkpor amidst traffic build-up.

“In a bid to search the vehicle properly, a melee ensued and the driver was shot by police, who unfortunately died on the spot,” the eyewitness said said.

According to the source, fifteen bags of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered from the vehicle after a thorough search.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State police Command, Nkeiru Nwode, said some miscreants, ignorant of the true facts behind the incident, took advantage of the situation for a mob action.

She said all the police officers involved in the unfortunate incident are currently in custody where they are undergoing interrogation.

“The Command wishes to use this medium to warn against spreading false rumors targeted at heating up the polity as the incident has no connection with any political party or its activities.

“We wish to also appeal to members of the public especially those who witnessed the incident to feel free to provide useful information to the police in arresting the fleeing hit-and-run driver,” she said.