Enugu police command has announced the arrest of a member of the local vigilante who shot and killed 22-year-old Philip Okoro in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area.
The killing sparked off violent demonstrations which led to burning of houses in Nkpologwu community.
A press statement issued Friday said the Commissioner of Police Abuabar Lawal has ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of the State CID to conduct a full-scale investigation into the matter.
The Enugu Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Daniel Ndukwe recalled that the victim who was shot on June 29, 2022 and rushed to the hospital.
He was later confirmed dead on 30/06/2022 at about 3pm by doctors on duty and his corpse deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Consequently, he said two members of the Vigilante Group directly linked to the shooting and murder of the victim have been arrested.
Those attested include one Annene Idu (m) alleged to have shot the deceased, and Chijioke Ezugwu (m) the Chief Security Officer of the L.G.A. said to have led the Vigilantes to the scene of the incident to arrest hard drugs dealers.
Additionally, the Pump Action used for the act is said to have been recovered by the police.
The police statement confirmed that in protest of the death of the said victim, an angry mob set ablaze the house of the mentioned team leader.
“However, the fire was put out by Police Operatives, who swiftly mobilized to the scene on receipt of a distress call, before the building could be burnt down.
“Normalcy has been restored in the area, while the CP has entreated residents of the community to remain law-abiding and avoid acts capable of breaching public peace in the area, while supporting the Police in the ongoing investigation.”
