The Abia State Police Command says it is tracking community youths allegedly involved in an attempted attack on officers and police facilities in Akwete, while also clarifying a viral video circulating on social media said to show misconduct and misuse of firearms by officers.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, the Command said the claims in the viral video were false and did not reflect the circumstances of the incident.
“The Command categorically states that the claims are false and do not reflect the true circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement said.
According to the Police, operatives of the Akwete Divisional Headquarters had acted on intelligence to arrest one Chidi Stanley of Obiohuru, Akwete, over a domestic incident that later led to the death of his 8-year-old daughter.
The Command said the suspect allegedly threw a stone during an altercation with his sister, which struck the child, identified as Miss Chiamaka Stanley, who was later confirmed dead at a hospital.
It added that the family allegedly failed to report the death to the police and attempted to proceed with burial arrangements without notifying authorities.
Police said officers later visited the scene after receiving intelligence, documented the situation, including a dug grave, and requested access to the body, but were resisted by some family members and youths in the community.
“The family, supported by some youths of the community, resisted police intervention and denied access, creating a tense and potentially violent situation,” the statement said.
The Command said the case was later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation after initial engagement with community leaders.
Following the transfer, the Police said some youths became agitated and attempted to attack officers and the police station, despite appeals for calm.
“Officers were compelled to defend themselves, protect police property, and prevent further breakdown of law and order,” the statement added.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, warned against attacks on officers carrying out lawful duties, insisting that efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend those involved in the attempted attack.
He also urged residents to cooperate with the police in crime prevention rather than obstruct investigations or engage in violence, while advising the public to disregard misinformation and unverified reports circulating on social media.
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