By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed a devastating incident where a student of Ebonyi State University, Ayogu Evans, lost his life during a police chase in the State.
In an official statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, the tragedy unfolded during a snap stop and search operation on Nkaliki road.
According to the statement, police operatives pursued Evans after he aroused suspicion by abruptly reversing and speeding off upon encountering the team.
The pursuit tragically concluded in an accident along Oriuzor road, leading to the untimely demise of Ayogu Evans.
Prompt response from traffic officers and concerned citizens ensured that the victim was rushed to the hospital, where he, unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries.
The incident has sparked unrest among fellow students at Ebonyi State University, prompting Commissioner of Police, Augustina Ogbodo, to address student leaders. She assured them that a thorough investigation would be conducted, and anyone found culpable would face appropriate sanctions.
Commissioner Ogbodo urged the public to support the police by reporting any unprofessional conduct of officers on duty. She reassured the public that disciplinary actions would be taken against any erring police officer, emphasizing the commitment to accountability and justice in the wake of this tragic event.
The statement read, “On 2/12/2023 at about 12 pm, police operatives on snap stop and search around Nkaliki road sighted a vehicle that was approaching their checkpoint but suddenly reversed and sped off.
“The actions of the driver raised the suspicion of the police operatives which made them pursue the vehicle, the driver did not stop till he was involved in an accident along Oriuzor road.
“Traffic officers were alerted and with the effort of good citizens, the victim Ayogu Evans, a student of Ebonyi State University was conveyed to the hospital where he unfortunately gave up the ghost.
“Circumstances surrounding his death which is still shrouded with controversies, made some students of Ebonyi State University conceive the idea of a protest against police actions.
“The commissioner of police, Ebonyi State Command, CP Augustina Ogbodo, psc immediately addressed the student leaders and assured them that their concerns would be thoroughly investigated and anyone found culpable will be sanctioned accordingly.
“The Commissioner of Police is using this medium to encourage the citizens to support the police while they carry out their mandate and to report any unprofessional conduct of police officers on duty to the police authority while assuring the public that disciplinary actions will be taken against any erring police officer.”