By Uzoma Akobundu
Governor Emeka Ihedioha of Imo State on Tuesday charged the police commissioner in the state, Rabiu Ladodo and his subordinates in Obowo Police Division to fish out the officer who shot and killed young man from the area during an argument.
Following the killing some youth and hoodlums invaded the station, vandalizing it, carting away arms and setting the station ablaze in the process.
When Ihedioha visited the place to restore calm, he took time out to visit the family of the bereaved Tuesday.
Addressing the CP Ladodo and other stakeholders of the community, he said: “The officer that provoked this action must be found and brought to book immediately; under no circumstance should a police officer who is supposed to protect the people and maintain peace go to the extent of killing a citizen meant to be protected.
“Adequate steps must be taken to forestall this kind of action. We should be cautious because human lives can’t be duplicated; it is the responsibility of anyone that carries firearms officially to protect lives and properties.”
According to a statement signed by Chibuike Onyeukwu, the chief press secreatary to the governor, Ihedioha noted that from his preliminary findings, the deceased, Ikenna Edomobi, was not a criminal hence there was no justification for his death.
Ihedioha admonished the stakeholders of the community, saying, “you have a duty to make available those persons that burnt the police station and made away with guns, it is a crime to steal guns and anybody doing it under the guise of retaliation is a criminal and must face the full wrath of the law.”
“He equally mandated the DPO to ensure that all those that escaped from detention are found and returned back or be declared wanted immediately.
“The governor equally visited the bereaved family and assured them that government will stand with them in this time of grief and promised that justice must be served.”
On the governor’s entourage were the Deputy Governor, Gerald Irona, Eze Imo, Innocent Ohiri, Chief of Staff, Chris Okewulonu, and host of others.