Okada Rider Allegedly Shot Dead In Imo By Police Officer For Not Wearing Face Mask (graphic photos)

A motorcycle rider has allegedly been shot dead by a police inspector around Banana junction in Orlu, Imo state on July 9 for not wearing a face mask.

The incident which happened around 3pm caused chaos in the area as youths and traders around threatened to invade a nearby police station, Punch reports.

A detachment of police team were reportedly later sent to the scene to manage the situation.

An eyewitness alleged that that the victim, who was carrying a passenger was allegedly shot at a close-range by one of the policemen who were on a stop-and-search duty.

The witness stated;

A police inspector shot and killed an okada rider at Banana Junction for not wearing a face mask. The policeman who stopped the man asked him why he was not wearing a face mask but one thing led to the other and he shot him on a close range. He died on the spot.

The situation here is getting out of hands. The youths, okada riders, and traders are on rampage. Policemen have taken to their heels. Those at the police station have removed their police uniforms and are putting on plain cloths.

However, the state commissioner of police, Isaac Akinmodele, who confirmed the incident, said those in rampage allegedly macheted one of his officers.

The CP stated;

The situation is being managed. It is true that a policeman killed a man but the situation is not out of control. People whose loved ones were killed have a right to be angry. One of the policemen was also macheted and he is in a hospital.

I have told all the parties to remain calm. The situation will be handled. I have instructed the area commander to ensure that normalcy is returned. Justice will be served in the matter.

See some photos below;