There was pandemonium at Whimpy Junction, Ikwerre Road, Port Harcourt,  Rivers state yesterday afternoon following the shooting of a bus driver, James Imhalu, by a Police officer. The police officer and his team were trying to ensure free flow of traffic in the area when the incident happened.

Residents in the area as well as some transporters protested his killing, resulting in burn fires and blocking of some major roads. The state police commissioner, Chris Ezike, has released a statement saying that the shooting was avoidable and unacceptable. The indicted police officer has been arrested and disarmed and further investigation into the matter is ongoing. The statement after the cut

On 7th of August 2015 at about 12.20hrs at Whimpy Junction, Ikwerre Road, Port Harcourt a Policeman on Stop and Search duty shot and killed one James Imhalu ‘m’ 37 years of age who was a bus driver in clearly unacceptable and avoidable circumstance.

2. This action sparked off spontaneous protest from drivers, sympathizers and indeed members of the public who rightly saw the action of the Policeman as unjustifiable. The protest spilled to major highways and caused traffic dislocation and pains to members of the public.

3. The Policeman was promptly disarmed, arrested and detained while I ordered full scale investigation into the circumstances and ramifications of this painful incident.

4. I sympathize and condole with the family of the deceased in the loss of their loved one. I condemn in unmistakeable terms the action of the Policeman as preliminary facts revealed his action was clearly avoidable. However, I shall await the outcome of full investigation as already ordered before any conclusive action is taken. The Inspector-General of Police is fully briefed but is saddened by the action of the personnel and has ordered that he be charged to court on conclusion of investigation.

5. The protests yesterday and today appear to have been hijacked by hoodlums and cultists as entreaties for peace fell on deaf ears. Two wrongs cannot make a right. I therefore appeal to the deceased family, the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Drivers Union, and indeed parents and guardians to calm frayed nerves and allow peace to reign. We shall ensure that justice is done to this matter.

6. We shall also continue to monitor this situation and emplace adequate security to ensure a safe, secure and better Port Harcourt City, please.

CP. CHRIS O. EZIKE
COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
RIVERS STATE COMMAND
PORT HARCOURT