Tension In Bende: Outrage As Youth Dies During Police Interrogation - Residents Accuse Officers Of Brutality

... Community in shock as family demands justice over mysterious death of Ozuitem youth allegedly beaten to death by police.

Tension has enveloped Bende Local Government Area of Abia State following the sudden death of a young man, Mr. Akobundu Okorie Wisdom, a native of Ozuitem, who reportedly slumped and died while being interrogated by policemen at the Bende Police Division.

The tragic incident, which occurred earlier this week, has sparked outrage across the community, with residents demanding justice and accusing officers of brutality and cover-up.

According to police sources, the deceased, who was said to reside in Bende town, was invited for questioning over an undisclosed offence. The police alleged that during interrogation, he suddenly slumped and was rushed to a hospital in Umuahia, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel.

However, residents and eyewitnesses who claimed to have seen the deceased before the interrogation alleged that Mr. Wisdom was brutally assaulted in the police cell, leading to his death. They dismissed the police explanation as "an attempt to twist the truth and protect their own.ÔÇØ

When the news of his death spread across the community, angry youths and sympathizers stormed the Bende Police Division, demanding accountability and vowing to avenge his death if justice was not served. The atmosphere became tense, prompting the swift intervention of security authorities.

The Abia State Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, who arrived at the scene with senior officers, appealed for calm and assured residents that a thorough investigation would be carried out.

"I want to assure you that justice will be done. As I am talking to you, all the policemen involved in the interrogation have been moved to the CID for questioning,ÔÇØ the Commissioner said.

Also reacting, the Executive Chairman of Bende Local Government Area, Hon. Uwabunkonye Bassey, expressed deep sadness over the incident.

"According to preliminary reports, the late Mr. Wisdom was accused of an offence and invited for questioning. Sadly, during the interrogation, he reportedly slumped and, despite being rushed to a hospital, was confirmed dead,ÔÇØ Bassey said.

Meanwhile, human rights advocates in the state have called for an independent investigation into the incident, insisting that only transparency will restore public confidence in the police.

The death of Mr. Akobundu Okorie Wisdom adds to the growing public outcry against police brutality and misconduct, with many Nigerians urging authorities to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences.

As at press time, security presence around Bende Police Division has been reinforced to prevent further unrest.