Suspected police operatives have shot and killed an unidentified man believed to be a trader at Naze Timber Market in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State on Monday.
It was gathered the deceased who some people disclosed was a trader at the multi-billion naira timber market was shot dead on Monday.
Our correspondent gathered that the victim, who hailed from Onicha in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Council of the state, was killed at his business premises.
An eyewitness said his death resulted from an attempt by security operatives to arrest some traders in the market over undisclosed reasons, but were resisted by their colleagues in the market.
A member of Owerri building material association, who pleaded not to be mentioned, said: “The Police were fingered for shooting the trader this morning.”
It was further gathered that it was in attempt to scare the people away and possibly avoid being lynched by the mob that the said security personnel started shooting sporadically in the air.
Unfortunately, a pellet from the shooting landed on the victim’s chest, leading to his instant death.
The incident sent shockwaves through the market, resulting in widespread outrage among the traders, who took to the streets protesting the tragedy and demanding justice.
An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “We were at our various shops this morning when some police officers came to make an arrest. We were all pleading for the freedom of our colleagues arrested, the next thing we heard was a gunshot. We found that the trader had been shot on the spot, and we took him to hospital where he was confirmed dead.”
Also, the victim’s uncle, who spoke with newsmen, expressed disbelief over the incident and called for justice.
He said: “I heard about this development about an hour ago, when I returned from work. I quickly rushed down to the scene. This is a marketplace, and I don’t understand this harassment.”
President of the market, Chief Ezejiofor Elias, said: “Just this afternoon, I got a call that the police shot one of our members. I inquired about what led to his death, and they told me that the police frequently come around to harass people.
“The late Ebere was at his shop. If the deceased had done something wrong, they would have met with the market leaders. We were surprised that the police came and shot Ebere. We don’t want to take the law into our hands. We call for justice. We are not happy with what is happening.”
“This tragic shooting has left the Timber and Allied Industrial Market traders devastated, mourning the loss of a fellow trader popularly known as Wazzi,” he added.
However Imo Police spokesman Henry Okoye who confirmed the incident denied operatives were involved in the shooting.
” Information I have gathered so far indicates it’s not the Police that shot him.
More so, the DPO in charge of the area has since been mobilized to the scene for on-the-spot analysis and discreet investigation.
“However, the Command is yet to receive official report from him. Once I receive it, I’ll relay accordingly,” he said.
