BREAKING: Anambra boils, police station set on fire

An angry mob has set ablaze a police station at Igboukwu, in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State after a policeman killed a commercial motorcyclist on Tuesday night.

Eyewitness accounts reveal that the police station was put on fire around 8 am on Wednesday, December 16.

A source told The Punch that the trouble began when some policemen on duty in the area killed a commercial motorcycle rider over failure to pay bribe.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Haruna Mohammed also confirmed the incident.

He said the Commissioner of Police in the State, John Abang, has 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 assured the public that justice would be done in the case and the outcome of police investigation shall be made public in due course.

He said, “As I’m talking to you the place is in flames. The mob, made up of commercial motorcycle operators, are moving to Ekwulobia police station now to also set the station there ablaze.”