Reports from Bayelsa State indicate that a Nigerian police officer, stationed at a bank in Ekeki Area, Yenagoa, allegedly shot and killed a member of the Nigeria Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Monday evening.
During an altercation, the police officer also shot a driver from Peace Mass transit, causing severe injuries.
These events unfolded on January 6, 2020. The officer, who was assigned to the commercial bank in Yenagoa, engaged in a dispute with a commercial bus driver over parking. The driver had parked the Peace Mass bus in front of the bank to drop off passengers after arriving from Abakaliki, a move that the officer contested, resulting in an argument.
Amidst the argument, the officer allegedly fired two shots at the driver. Both the driver and a serving corps member were hit by the gunfire.
Tragically, the corps member was pronounced dead at the scene, while medical professionals are battling to save the driver’s life at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Yenogoa.
Disturbing photos circulated online display the lifeless body of one of the victims slumped on the driver’s seat, with blood visible on the side of the bus.
Consequently, incensed individuals embarked on property vandalization at the bank premises as a reprisal attack following the incident.
Facing allegations of Discreditable Conduct and Unlawful Use of Firearm, the Bayelsa Police Command has apprehended the Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel responsible. Acting on the orders of the State Commissioner of Police, CP Uche Anozia, the officer is currently in custody at the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department.