Okowa calls for investigation as police officer ‘kills’ man in Delta

There was a protest in Asaba, Delta state capital, on Wednesday following an alleged killing of a man by a police officer.

TheCable understands that the incident happened along Ugbolu- Illah road at a stop-and-search point.

A member of the police team on duty was said to have shot at the deceased’s car due to his refusal to stop at the checkpoint. The victim was identified as Onyeka Ibe.

The killing sparked a protest by the youths who took the deceased’s body to the police headquarters, demanding justice.

Reacting in a statement signed by Olisa Ifeajika, his chief press secretary, Ifeanyi Okowa, governor of Delta, decried the killing and appealed to residents to remain calm.

Okowa said he had directed the police to launch a “thorough investigation” into the incident.

“The officer who allegedly fired the shot that killed Ibe has been arrested and is currently being detained at the Police Command Headquarters in Asaba,” the statement reads.

“At this time, I ask all our citizens and residents to please remain calm and maintain a sense of composure and restraint as we allow the police to conduct a thorough investigation — so that the law can run its course.

“Finally, I express my heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and would like to reassure all the citizens and residents of Delta State that my administration remains committed to preserving the peace in our state.”