An 18-year-old boy identified as Awuzie Duru has been reportedly killed by a trigger happy police officer in Imo state.
The Nation reports that the incident took place inside the premises of a new generation bank branch at Umuaka.
According to report, the teenager who hailed from Isiozi Aka in the town, was shot by the officer whose identity is yet to be ascertained for retaliating a slap.
On that fateful day, Sunday, December 1, Awuzie (aka Aboy) had gone to withdraw money from the bank’s ATM gallery.
Witnesses said he joined the ATM line like every other person. While waiting his turn, his phone rang and he stepped out of the queue to pick the call.
One of the villagers, who witnessed the killing said when he returned, the person behind him took his position and refused to allow him join the queue again.
“This action was happening in the presence of this killer policeman and caused hot exchange of words between Awuzie and the guy that took his position on the queue while the policeman was there watching.
“The exchange of words between the two degenerated to fighting and in the process, the policeman who has been watching the scene came and started scolding Awuzie who was trying to maintain his position after answering his call,” the villager narrated.
Awuzie was said to have challenged the policeman, who reacted by slapping him and he retaliated.
“In the process, the policeman cocked his gun and shot the boy, who died instantly,” the witness added.
Village sources disclosed there was tension in the town following Awuzie’s death as some youths were planning an attack on the police station. They were, however, stopped by elders who begged them to allow the police hierarchy handle the matter.
The incident was confirmed by the state police commissioner, Rabiu Ladodo. He said the command had arrested the killer policeman and he would be punished appropriately if found guilty.
He added that the police doing everything possible to contain any further crisis.
