Police: Vigilante, not DSS official, shot man dead in Anambra

The police command in Anambra has denied reports that an official of the Department of State Services (DSS) shot dead a middle-aged man in Ogidi, Idemili north LGA of the state.

On Thursday, youths barricaded the entrance of Idemili north LGA headquarters over the murder.

The deceased was said to have been mistaken for a suspected cultist who is terrorising the area.

Some residents claimed that the man was allegedly killed by an official of the DSS.

Reacting to the incident, Tochi Ikenga, Anambra police spokesperson, said the member of a vigilante group responsible for the killing has been arrested and disarmed.

“The deceased was shot by a member of the vigilante group in the area. On receiving the report at about 0200hrs, the police moved in swiftly and effected arrest of the assailant who was found with a pump action gun,” he said in a statement on Friday.

“The assailant was disarmed and taken into custody for interrogation and comprehensive investigation.

“CP Election for Anambra State, Aderemi Adeoye while commiserating with family of the deceased, wishes to assure the public that investigation into the homicide will be swift and thorough and the assailant arraigned in court to face justice.

“He thanked the youths of Ogidi for ensuring their protest was peaceful. He also appreciated the traditional rulers who mediated to calm frayed nerves.

“He urged the people to remain law abiding as the police in the Command will always protect their fundamental human rights.”