Ten-Year-Old Boy Reportedly Killed During The Demolition Of Eke Ukwu Market, Imo Police Investigate Cause Of Death

The Imo state police command has revealed that there is an ongoing investigation to reveal the circumstances that led to the death of the 10-year-old boy, Somto Ibeanusi, who was reportedly killed by a stray bullet during the faceoff between angry traders and police officers during the demolition of Eke Ukwu market in Imo state last Saturday. Photo of Somto's mum weeping above. A stray bullet fired by one of the officers to disperse angry traders who were reportedly attacking them during the demolition, hit the boy who died instantly. The state police command in a statement released yesterday, say they are investigating the matter and also warned residents of the state to desist from making misguided comments about the incident online. Read the statement below:
The attention of the Imo State Police Command has been drawn to the unwholesome circulation of deliberate falsehood and hate speeches on the social media by some misguided individuals on the event of the relocation of Eke Ukwu Owerri Market and the cleanup of Douglas road, Owerri by the State Government.
The misleading reports especially in the social media have been engineering hate amongst ethnic groups, associations and people of diverse interests. This can only be ascribed to the handiwork of mischief makers and alarmists whose trade is to divide, cause panic and fear amongst law abiding citizens.
Parents/guardians are advised to caution their children and wards to desist from circulating misleading information and hate speeches in the social media especially now that government is taking issues of hate very seriously.
Relatedly, the Police Command has begun full scale investigation into the alleged death of one Somtochukwu Ibeanusi, reported to the Police on 27th August, 2017 by 1630 hours. Investigators have interviewed the parents and will stop at nothing in ensuring that the circumstances and ramifications of the matter is unravelled.
The State Police Command wishes to avail this opportunity to re-assure all Imolites and the general public that security agencies in the State are working together to ensure the safety and security of life and property, please.