Gov. Ikpeazu Reacts To Policemen Shooting At Protesting Abia Poly Students

Some policemen had shot at some of the students protesting the alleged ra-pe of their colleague by policemen in a bid to disperse them.

The Governor noted that the act of the Police Officers was excessive, uncalled for and could aggravate an already tensed situation which could lead to collateral damages.

According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Onyebuchi Ememanka, the State Government was already looking into the issues that led to the protest.

The Governor said;

"Shooting at unarmed students who were protesting the alleged sexual assault of one of them by a police officer is against all known and recognized rules of engagement by law enforcement officers who could have employed other means other than deadly force to disperse the protesting students".

He also advised the Students to be disciplined and avoid taking the law into their hands even while protesting, adding that they must at all times, exercise restraint when confronted by Police Officers who are on lawful duty.

Governor Ikpeazu urged the State Police Commissioner and the Area Commander in charge of Aba to ensure that the Officers who were involved in the shooting are identified and disciplined in line with extant Police Regulations, while further ensuring that such display of disproportionate force doesn't happen again.