The FCT Police Command has said that the shooting of an escaping convict, Ibrahim Yahaya, by personnel of the Nigeria Correctional Centre caused Tuesday afternoon’s fracas at the popular Wuse Market in Abuja.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in FCT, SP Josephine Adeh confirmed the development in a statement.
The police image maker said preliminary investigation revealed that Yahaya, 27, was apprehended by operatives of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) Task Force and was taken before a mobile court which sits every Tuesday in Wuse Market, and he was convicted.
Adeh further explained that the suspect alongside others was being conveyed to prison when he reportedly jumped from the vehicle and took to his heels in an attempt to escape.
She said two armed corrections personnel who were in the vehicle went after him and in the process, shot him.
The PPRO said Yahaya was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors on the ground confirmed him dead.
She said the development led some irate mobs who witnessed the situation to set ablaze eight vehicles and 10 shops in the environs.
According to her, the whole fire situation caused an uproar from residents but was brought under control by the combined effort of the Federal Fire Service and other security agencies present.
Adeh said the FCT Police Commissioner, CP Benneth Igweh personally led a team of police operatives to the scene, assessed and swiftly restored order.
“While normalcy has since been restored, and investigation still ongoing, the Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Benneth Igweh enjoins residents to peacefully go about their lawful businesses without fear.
“He also enjoins residents to report suspicious activities through the following emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883; PCB: 09022222352,” the statement further read.
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