A commercial motorcycle operator who was in his early 20s and whose identity was unknown, was allegedly shot dead at about 9.30p.m. on Wednesday in Abakaliki, by a policeman attached to the Anti Kidnap Squad Unit of the Police Command on Water Works Road, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

Policemen later condoned off some parts of Water Works Road, scene of the incident, firing teargas to disperse angry protesters to restore order.

Consequently, Governor David Umahi ordered the immediate arrest of the policeman.

Umahi, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Uzor, on Thursday in Abakaliki, also condemned the killing.

He described the incident as “barbaric and callous” and said that justice would be done in the matter.

He said that the incident called for more dedication, commitment and professional training for the nation’s security personnel in order to stop further killing of innocent persons.

The governor assured that he would take up the matter with the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to ensure that the policeman who allegedly killed the motorcyclist is punished, in line with the rule of engagement.

He warned that his administration would not tolerate any form of mindless killing of innocent citizens or extra-judicial killing by security agencies in the state.

He, therefore, ordered the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Titus Lamorde, to arrest the suspect and other members of the squad in order to face the full weight of the law.

Umahi expressed his sincere condolences to the family of the deceased and promised to visit them when full information concerning the victim’s family is made available.

He called on the public to remain calm and not to take the law into their own hands, assuring them that the situation was under control.

Meanwhile, the Command’s spokesperson, Mrs. Lovett Odah, confirmed the incident but maintained that details were still sketchy.

“We will brief the press as soon we get full and accurate information on the incident. Our men are still carrying out preliminary investigations into the alleged killing,”  Odah said.

(NAN)