Residents flee as ‘police clash with youths’ in Imo community

The Amakpaka community in Mbaise LGA of Imo state has been deserted following a reported clash between police officers and some youths.

The clash was said to have started in the early hours of Friday when officers reportedly stormed the community to arrest one Agu Ugochukwu. 

According to sources, Ugochukwu was accused of assaulting Nick Akobundu, a retired police officer and the chief security officer (CSO) of the Umuawada autonomous community. 

Chima Uzoigwe, a resident of the community, told TheCable that Akobundu was beaten up over alleged high-handedness and intimidation. 

“In return, Akobundu invited police to arrest Agu Ugochukwu who was among the youths that assaulted him,” Uzoigwe said. 

“Policemen came to arrest Agu Ugochukwu in their family house, but he was not at home as at the time of the arrest. Police officers then tried to arrest his brother, who was not in any way involved in the matter, and he resisted the arrest and which resulted in the fracas.

“One of the police officers was injured, while Ugochukwu’s brother’s leg was also injured after which the police officers left, and returned to the village, during which they set Ugochukwu’s father’s house ablaze.” 

Another source in the community, who didn’t want to be named, also narrated the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“There was an incident involving the police and a family from Amakpaka Umuawada. The police set the man’s newly-built house on fire,” the source said.

TheCable understands that the ever-busy Orie-Onuoha market square was deserted by residents who fled the area during the clash.

The police officer who sustained injuries is said to have died.

But when contacted, Michael Abattam, the Imo police command spokesperson, said: “we are yet to receive such information and no police officer has been reported dead in our command.”