NEWS
Outrage in Umuahia as Young Man Dies from Alleged Gunshot by Officers of Operation Crush
A tragic incident in Umuahia has sparked outrage following the death of a young man who was allegedly shot by operatives of Operation Crush, a joint anti-crime task force in Abia State.
According to multiple sources, the incident occurred at Imo Lane off Owerri Road in Umuahia on Sunday, after the deceased reportedly had a disagreement with another young man in the neighborhood.
The other party in the dispute was said to have contacted security operatives, who arrived at the scene shortly afterwards.
On sighting the operatives, the deceased was said to have taken off, prompting a chase by the security team, who in the process allegedly fired a shot at a very close range, which hit the fleeing young man in the stomach.
The bullet was said to have hit his stomach and exited through his body, shattering the windscreen of an SUV parked nearby.
Witnesses say the victim collapsed instantly in a pool of blood as the operatives stood over him for several minutes before leaving the scene.
Alarmed residents trooped out, and a group of boys reportedly stopped a passing tricycle (keke) and rushed him to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia.
Initial reports had suggested that the young man was responding to treatment, but he was later confirmed dead by medical personnel and family members.
His death has triggered public anger and raised fresh concerns about alleged extrajudicial conduct by security agents.
In a disturbing twist, it was alleged that operatives later showed up at the hospital and attempted to arrest those who brought the victim in for emergency care.
As at the time of filing this report, the motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and no official statement has been issued on the incident by the State Police Command.
Residents are, however demanding a full investigation into the killing, calling on the Abia State government and security agencies to ensure justice is served.
Credit: Ikechukwu Okorie Ikukufied