Two persons were reported killed at the weekend by men of the Nigeria Police Force in Agulu community, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.
About four others were also said to have sustained various degrees of injuries as a result of sporadic shooting by the police officers.
A police post situated in Nwagu Agulu, a popular market in the community, was also said to have been razed by youths of the community who protested the killing. The angry protesters chased off officers on duty at the post.
An eye witness who narrated the incidence to Abuja-based LEADERSHIP newspaper, said trouble started after police officers at a check-point near Nwagu Agulu Junction stopped a commercial motorcyclist and attempted to extort bribe from him. The officers, he said, shot dead a relative of the motorcyclist who stopped by to intervened.
The newspaper’s source however said he did not know what transpired between the deceased and the police officer before he was shot.
The shooting of the young man, described by another source as a trader at the junction, and an indigene of the community, triggered violent protest against the police officers at the checkpoint. The police responded by shooting into the air to scare away the protesters.
It was gathered that the other victim was gunned down while the police was trying to keep the protesters at bay. About four of the youths who were involved in the protest were also said to have sustained injuries, while the police officers fled the scene.
Police Public Relations Officer for Anambra Police Command, Emeka Chukwuemeka(ASP), confirmed the incidence, but denied that two persons were killed in the incident.
Mr. Chukwuemeka claimed only one person was killed, while another was wounded. He also disclosed that the officer who shot at the deceased had been arrested and would be tried today (Monday).