Governor Okezie Ikpeazu on Thursday August 8, confirmed the arrest
of the soldier that shot a commercial motorcyclist at Opobo Junction
area of Aba.
The soldier behind the killing was identified as 'CPL Ajayi' and it
was gathered that he pursued the young man from Ohanze Village to
Umuokereke Ngwa, a distance of about 25 kilometers and shot him at close
range from behind over a N100 bribe.
The 30-year-old man Chimaobi Uzoukwa, left behind a pregnant wife, two sons and an aged mother.
The Abia State Governor promised to pursue the prosecution of the
arrested soldier when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the
deceased at Umuokereke Ngwa community in Obingwa Local Government Area
of the state. Ikpeazu described the killing of the 30-year-old young man
as wicked, malicious, unprofessional and cowardly, and also expressed
deep sadness that a security personnel who is paid and maintained by tax
payers money will turn around to kill the very person he is paid to
secure.
The press statement released after Governor Ikpeazu's condolence
visit by his Chief Press Secretary Onyebuchi Ememanka, reads in part;
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has vowed that no stone will be left
unturned in the quest for justice for the slain motorcyclist, Late
Chimaobi Nwaorgu, who was gunned down by a soldier yesterday.
Governor Ikpeazu stated this today when he visited the family of
the deceased at Ezido Na Ife Village, Umuokereke Ngwa in Obingwa LGA.
Accompanied by the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ene Okon,
Police Area Commander for Aba, ACP Opara and other senior Police
Officers, Ikpeazu described the killing of the 30 year old young man as
wicked, malicious, unprofessional and cowardly.
He expressed deep sadness that a security personnel who is paid and
maintained by tax payers money will turn around to kill the very person
he is paid to secure, stating that the circumstances surrounding the
killing of the young man are unacceptable to the government and people
of Abia State.
The Governor who was visibly emotionally shaken, wondered why a
soldier will pursue an unarmed young man from Ohanze Village all the way
to Umuokereke Ngwa, a distance of about 25 kilometers and shot him from
behind, at point blank range.
According to the Governor, “This is one murder too many. We
will do everything possible under the law to get this murderous soldier
and bring him to justice. Whatever it takes, we will do. We will go to
Abuja or any other place to ensure that this particular soldier doesn’t
go scot free. The death of this young man is extremely painful and
cannot go in vain. This is my position and this is the position of the
Government and people of Abia State”.
The sight of the young wife, who has suddenly become a widow his
two infant sons and his aged mother evokes a feeling of strong emotions
and the atmosphere was very charged indeed.
The Governor assured the family that he will personally ensure that
the young family is not allowed to suffer. He also announced that the
soldier was arrested yesterday and is currently in detention and thanked
the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ene Okon for the prompt response to the
matter.
Governor Ikpeazu pleaded with the family and the entire community
to take heart and accept the sad incident with philosophical calmness.
While advising against violent demonstrations which could aggravate the
already charged situation, the Governor told the people to trust his
ability to pursue the deal with this matter decisively.