Army, Police Set Up Joint Probe Panel

Following to the killing of a policeman by soldiers attached to Reynolds Construction Company, RCC, working at the Onne axis of the East/West road, about 35 kilometres from Port Harcourt, in Rivers state,two days ago,a joint investigation team of the army and police has been set to unravel the circumstances that led to the killing.

Police Constable Okeke Peter, of the State Criminal Investigation Department, CID, of the Rivers State Police command, andTornubari Nnaa, an Ogoni, were shot and killed  during an argument. The joint investigation is also in reaction to the public condemnation of the killings, especially by the youths of Ke-Dere Community in Gokana local Government area in Rivers State,who have staged a protest over the killing of Nnaa.

According eyewitness account, there was an argument between the soldiers and the victims over tipping of sand without permission at the Onne By-pass on the East/West road that RCC was constructing. And the soldiers allegedly shot both Constable Okeke and Tornubari.

According to the State Police Command, the Commander of the unit attached to RCC, Lieutenant Usman and the Public Relations Officer of RCC have been reported to their bosses at the 2 Amphibious Brigade, Port Harcourt, to produce the suspects for further investigation.

Rita Innoma-Abbey, the Rivers Police Command spokesperson confirmed the incident.

Major Illiasu Aminu, the Army Public Relations Officer, 2 Amphibious Brigade, Port Harcourt, told P.m.News  “that is too early for the press and members of the public to condemn the soldiers until the joint investigation panel come out with their findings to find out if they disobeyed the rule of engagement handed over to them or that on the posting to protect the RCC staff from the attack of hoodlum or whether they shot in self defence. Let’s be patient.”

—Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt