Policeman killed as youths clash in Delta state

- A policeman slumped and died during a fight between youths and soldiers at a funeral

- The fight allegedly started over the sharing of party food

- Some youths allegedly made attempts to disarm two soldiers trying to maintain orderliness during a rush for food and drinks

A burial ceremony at Boboroku community of Jesse in Ethiope West local government area of Delta state became a scene of violent clash between youths and soldiers brought in to maintain orderliness during the sharing of food.

Some youths of the community allegedly attempted to disarm the soldiers preventing them from disrupting the queue for party food and this led to a clash between the youths and soldiers of the 19 Battalion, Koko. During the clash, a person was reportedly shot on the leg by the soldiers while others sustained several injuries.

Vanguard reports that the late policeman identified as Imomoh, who resides in the community, was said to have tried to intervene during the rowdy session between the soldiers and the youths, when he slumped in the process and died.

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A guest at the reception, Paul Amodu said: “The soldiers were called in to restore calm after the youths in the community tried to hijack food meant for guests at the reception. Vexed by the presence of the soldiers, the youths turned their anger on them, leading to fisticuffs amidst gunshots by the soldiers, during which Imomoh was said to have been hit by a bullet; he slumped and died.”

A security source at the Sapele Area Command, said: “The death of the policeman who is a resident of the community, enraged the youths who went wild, attacking guests and destroying vehicles.

“The soldiers had to apply minimum force in trying to defend themselves by shooting into the air to scare the rampaging youths, who were trying to disarm them leading to the shooting of one person in the leg.”

The Delta state police public relations officer, DSP Andrew Ania-maka, who confirmed the incident to the press, described it as “quite unfortunate.”

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Legit.ng earlier reported that the Anambra state police command on Monday, March 5, confirmed the death of a policeman in a fracas between some youths of Umuenze, in the Orumba south local government area, and the police in the area.

According to a statement by the state commissioner of police, Garba Umar, the command described the incident as unfortunate.

While assuring law-abiding residents of police protection, Umar vowed that the command would not fold its arms and allow miscreants to violate the law with impunity.

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Source: Legit.ng