Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has commiserated with the family of Late Mr Chimaobi Nwaorgu who lost his life from gunshot wounds obtained as a result of alleged failure to part with N100 illegal tip at a military checkpoint in Ohanze Obingwa LGA of the State.
The deceased a commercial motocyclist,was said to have been pursued by an army officer from the Ohanze military checkpoint to his home in Umuokererke-Ngwa,in Obingwa LGA where he was shot at close range from the back over his inability to pay the illegal extortion fee.
The Governor who visited the family of the deceased in company of the Commissioner of Police Ene Okon,expressed sadness over the incident describing the killing of a harmless,unarmed citizen as an act of cowardice.
He assured them that government will not take the issue lightly as it will pursue it to a logical end to ensure that justice is achieved.
“I have come to commiserate with the family and to assure them that the police have been asked to step up investigationsand ensure that it gets to the root of the matter.
“The community and the government will want to know why that young man was shot and killed more than 25 kilometers from the military checkpoint and we will want to know why that particular officer decided to shoot a harmless individual from behind. What an act of cowardice. This thing should not continue”.
Ikpeazu who cautioned security operatives to respect the santity of human life said they are being paid through tax payers money to protect lives and properties.
According to Governor Ikpeazu, the culprit has already been arrested by security operatives while adequate punishment will be served.
He assured that the children of the deceased would be taken care of by the state government.
The Governor who also addressed youths of the area,appealled to them to remain calm and not take the laws into their hands,said the culprit would not go unpunished.
He further assured that his administration will continue to live up to its responsibilities of protecting lives and property of its citizens.
Also speaking the State commissioner of Police Mr Ene Okon said that the Nigerian police Force does not condone such act of wickedness and irresponsibility on its men and has always metted the appropriate sanctions on erring personnel.
He noted that the Nigerian police recognizes and respect the right of every person as enshrined in the constitution and condoled the family of the deceased on the unfortunate incident.
Narrating the incident to the Governor, the uncle to the deceased, Mr Nwanguma Nwaogwugwu said the incident happened yesterday, Wednesday 7th August.
According to him ,the Late Chimaobi Nwaorgu a commercial motorcyclist was shot dead by the military personnel for refusing to pay one hundred naira to the the personnel at the check point.
He appealled to the Governor and other stakeholders in the state to ensure that justice is done.
The late Chimaobi Nwaorgu is survived by his wife, two children and an aged mother among other relations.
