Asaba shooting: Police deny role, launch probe
Police
BY NOSA AKENZUA, ASABA
The Delta State Police Command has denied allegations linking its operatives to the shooting of a young man in Asaba, even as it announced a full-scale investigation into the incident.
The Command was reacting to a viral video which claimed that a young man was shot at the Ogbeilọ area of Ogbeogonogo Market, Asaba, on Wednesday May 6, with some bystanders accusing the police of carrying out the attack.
However, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the Command had no involvement in the incident.
“The Command wishes to state unequivocally that operatives of the Command did not engage in any shooting incident on the said date and in the said area,” Edafe stated.
He added that there was no verified evidence to support claims that the police were responsible, noting that the victim’s friend, who was reportedly taken away by the gunmen, was not in any police detention facility.
According to preliminary findings, the victim, popularly known as “Aboy,” survived the attack and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Police sources further disclosed that the victim is suspected to have links with cult-related activities in the state and had reportedly been shot four years ago during a separate cult-related clash.
The Command also revealed that the victim’s unidentified friend was abducted from the scene, a development investigators believe may point to criminal or gang-related motives behind the attack.
In response to public concern generated by the viral video, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, has directed the Anti-Cultism Unit to carry out a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
“The Command assures members of the public that a thorough investigation is underway,” Edafe said.
He urged anyone with useful information to contact the Police Control Room on 08036684974 or the Complaint Response Unit on 09155570008 and 09011112311.
The Delta State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to tackling cultism and violent crimes, while urging residents to verify facts before drawing conclusions.
