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The Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed “deep sadness over the killing of an Aba-based businessman by a trigger-happy police officer.

Mr. Emmanuel Okocha died last Friday at a hospital in Aba after succumbing to mortal wounds from bullets fired by a policeman identified as Corporal Obagi Njok.

The victim was said to have been shot on April 17, 2024, at a police check point in front of Abayi Girls Secondary School on Aba-Owerri Road, Aba.

An eye witness said Okocha was shot as he was about to enter his vehicle for refusing “to settle” even after his vehicle particulars had been checked and found to be in order.

In a statement issued by the state Vice-chairman/acting Publicity Secretary, Abraham Amah, the state PDP described the death of Okocha as “tragic and senseless.”

He stated that: “The incident, which occurred on Aba-Owerri Road is shocking, highly unfortunate, and we condemn this act of violence in the strongest terms.”

The killing of the businessman is the second extrajudicial killing involving security agencies in Abia State within a week. Troops at an Army post in Umuahia had on April 12 allegedly tortured a hotel manager to death following the drowning of an Air Force Cadet, Emmanuel Onyeomereneche, in the hotel swimming pool.

However, the state main opposition party commended the state Police Command for taking “swift action” in arresting the policeman responsible for Okocha’s killing and initiating disciplinary measures against him.

“We appreciate the command’s commitment to upholding professionalism and the rule of law as demonstrated in their handling of this unfortunate incident,” the PDP said.

The party grieved with the family of the victim, and extended “our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and the entire Abiriba community as they mourn the loss of Okocha.”

The party lamented the tragic incident, saying: “Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time of grief and sorrow.”

The PDP called on the Abia State police authorities to ensure that justice is served and action taken to avoid such ugly incidents going forward.

“As a party, we stand in solidarity with the bereaved family and the Abiriba community, as we called for justice to be served and for measures to be put in place to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future,” PDP said.