Police probe boy’s death in Owerri market demolition

The police have launched an investigation into the death of 10-year-old Somtochukwu Ibeanusi, who was killed on Saturday at the Owerri main market of Imo state during a midnight demolition exercise.

The state government carried out the demolition with soldiers and other security operatives providing cover for the team.

But traders and youth protested leading to the military reportedly opening fire on them.

One of the bullets hit Somtochukwu who was helping his parents evacuate their goods, and he died on the spot.

The father of the deceased, Isaiah Ibeanusi, had accused soldiers from the 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, of killing his son.

The Imo state Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, told Premium Times that the command launched an investigation into the killing.

“The case file had been transferred from the Owerri Urban Police Division to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID),” he said.

The police boss also said the parents of the child have been invited to make further statements.

“We will carry out an extensive investigation. A post-mortem would be conducted on the corpse. We are saddened by the development, but we would unravel the cause of the death.”

He debunked reports of intimidation of the parents by the police adding that the police “have no reason to try to sweep the matter under the carpet.” (Premium Times)

 

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