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.