The police command in Abia state says they are investigating a report that claimed that some police officers exchanged gunfire after mistaking themselves for members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday in the Alaoji area of the city, has left one civilian dead and raised concerns about security and coordination among law enforcement agencies in the state.
According to sources, the shootout involved two police patrol teams – one from the Aba Area Command and another from Umuahia, the state capital.
The Umuahia team, operating in commercial buses, was allegedly mistaken for IPOB members by their colleagues from Aba, leading to the tragic exchange of fire.
As the gunshots rang out, shop owners and passersby scrambled for cover, fearing for their lives.
Tragically, a truck driver was caught in the crossfire and killed by a stray bullet.
Reacting to the ugly incident on Sunday, the police spokesperson in Abia state , ASP Maureen Chinaka, in a statement acknowledged the shooting but downplayed the initial reports of mistaken identity.
“The Abia State Police Command is aware of the misinformation circulating online regarding the unfortunate shooting incident that led to the death of a civilian around Alaoji Flyover area in Aba.
“We wish to clarify that, on the 14th of August, 2024, a team of Police officers from the Quick Intervention Unit of the Abia State Police Command was returning to Umuahia from an official assignment. Upon approaching Alaoji Flyover area in Aba, the team began hearing sporadic gunfire. They quickly disembarked from their vehicle and took cover.
“After the situation had subsided, the officers reached the scene and met on ground members of Abia State Harmonized Task Force, Operation Crush, and the military.
“There was no Exchange of Fire between the Police Officers and any other team. It was later discovered that a civilian had tragically lost his life in the incident.
“We have no evidence indicating that the shooting incident involved any of the command’s patrol teams or personnel.
However, what we can confirm is that shooting occurred in the area, which resulted in the death of a civilian.
“The identities of those responsible for the shooting and their motives are yet to be established.
“We urge the public to discountenance the misinformation regarding this incident. Anyone with useful information regarding the incident should report to the nearest police station”.
