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Contrary to the buzz on social media, the Abia State Police Command has set the record straight, dismissing claims of a deadly shootout at the Alaoji Flyover in Aba as grossly exaggerated. The incident, which allegedly resulted in the loss of a civilian life, has been deemed a misrepresentation of facts.
In a clarification statement made available by ASP Maureen Chinaka, the spokesperson of the Abia State Police Command, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, said: “On the 14th of August, 2024, a team of Police officers from the Quick Intervention Unit of the Abia State Police Command was returning to Umuahia from an official assignment. Upon approaching Alaoji Flyover area in Aba, the team began hearing sporadic gunfire. They quickly disembarked from their vehicle and took cover.
“After the situation had subsided, the officers reached the scene and met on ground members of the Abia State Harmonised Task Force, Operation Crush, and the military. There was no exchange of fire between the police officers and any other team.
” It was later discovered that a civilian had tragically lost his life in the incident. We have no evidence indicating that the shooting incident involved any of the command’s patrol teams or personnel. However, what we can confirm is that shooting occurred in the area, which resulted in the death of a civilian. The identities of those responsible for the shooting and their motives are yet to be established.”
Read also: Imo Killings: Police Commissioner Danjuma Leads Investigation
In an effort to stem the spread of misinformation and restore a sense of clarity, a statement has been released urging the public to approach reports of a recent incident with a healthy dose of skepticism.
By doing so, authorities hope to empower citizens to make informed decisions based on verifiable facts.
Prior to the police command’s intervention, a disturbing narrative had begun to circulate on social media, claiming that a group of police officers at Alaoji had mistakenly identified and engaged their colleagues in a firefight, under the false assumption that they were IPOB members.
