One dead, seven others injured as police and hoodlums clash at Onitsha

THE Anambra Police Command has confirmed the death of one person while seven others sustained injuries when hoodlums tried to prevent its operatives from arresting fleeing criminals in Onitsha metropolis.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, So Haruna Mohammed, who confirmed the casualty figures, said that the incident occurred about 1pm on monday at Obosi New Park, Onitsha.

“There was an intelligence report that some suspects, who escaped from custody, were seen at that place and the police mobilised and went there to make arrests.

“They were, however, stopped by some hoodlums who attempted to disarm a policeman.

“The policeman tried to liberate himself from them, but they refused. So he had to use his firearm and unfortunately, it hit one of them.

“The victim was rushed to a hospital but was confirmed dead,” Mohammed said.

The hoodlums, who became angry at the death of the man, went on the rampage, blocking the Onitsha–Owerri road.

Although their activities disrupted vehicular movement for about 45 minutes, it took the intervention of reinforced police team and the local security guards to disperse the rampaging hoodlums.

“So far the area is calm  now and the Commissioner of Police has ordered an investigation to ascertain the cause of the incident,” Mohammed added.