‘Accidental discharge’ from police officer kills one in Abuja

The police command in the federal capital territory (FCT) says one Oyebuchi Anene has been killed by an accidental shot fired by an officer.

In a statement on Friday, Josephine Adeh, FCT police spokesperson, said the incident occurred at about 9:45pm in the Byazhin area of Abuja on Wednesday.

Adeh said the officer has been arrested, adding that Benneth Igweh, FCT commissioner of police, has ordered an investigation into the incident.

“In response to the tragic and unprecedented incident that resulted in the untimely demise of one Oyebuchi Anene ‘m’ of Byazhin Abuja on May 22, 2024, at about 9:45 PM, the commissioner of police, FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, psc, mni, directed the DC Criminal Investigation Department to commence an immediate and discreet investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the deceased,” the statement reads.

“While the police officer responsible for the accidental discharge is in custody, the CP expresses profound and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the public at large.”

The police spokesperson said the commissioner described the action of the officer as “unprofessional and disheartening”.

She added that the commissioner has assured the family of the deceased and the public of swift justice.

On Thursday, a police inspector was killed by a warning shot fired by a security officer during a clearance operation in Jos market, Plateau state.