The Nigeria Police station in Igboukwu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State was destroyed on Wednesday by a mob led by commercial motorcycle (okada) riders following the shooting by a Policeman.
The police station was set on fire around 8am on Wednesday.
The shot Okada rider was accosted on Tuesday night by the Policemen who were enforcing the 9pm curfew for all okada riders to stop operation, a measure imposed by the State government to stem the tide of robbery by motorcyclists at night.
Sources said there was disagreement over alleged Police demand for money to allow him free access, which he refused to give. Disagreement erupted, leading to the okada rider being shot.
Sources said that the okada riders mobilized on Wednesday morning to protest the killing, which led to the killing of two additional persons.
The okada riders, now joined by other youths in the area, now headed to the Igboukwu Police station which they burned down.
The mob now headed to the Ekwulobia Central Police Station, about 10 kilometres away. Ekwulobia is the headquarters of Aguata Local Government Area.
According to an eyewitness, “The Igboukwu station was burned down about 8am on Wednesday. As I’m talking to you the place is completely destroyed as it was engulfed in flames. The mob, made up of commercial motorcycle operators, are moving to Ekwulobia Police station now to also set the station there ablaze.”
Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Haruna Mohammed, confirmed the incident, saying that the State Commissioner of Police, John Abang, had ordered the arrest of the officer who killed the commercial motorcyclist while appealing for calm.
He said,” On Tuesday about 10.30pm, there was an altercation between police operatives and motorcycle riders over some impounded motorcycles as a result of the recent restriction on movement of motorcycles beyond 9 pm in the State.
“The situation degenerated into chaos which led to an accidental discharge that hit one motorcycle rider and burning of the Igboukwu police station by irate youth.
“The Commissioner of Police, John Abang, is deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident and has ordered the detention of the policemen involved and full-scale investigation into the matter.
“The CP further appealed for calm and assures the public that justice would be done in the case and the outcome of police investigation shall be made public in due course.”
