Police, military deny torturing Amasiri indigene to death
The Nigeria Police Force, Ebonyi State Command and the Military have debunked allegations circulating on social media that an indigene of Amasiri died as a result of torture while in
The Nigeria Police Force, Ebonyi State Command and the Military have debunked allegations circulating on social media that an indigene of Amasiri died as a result of torture while in custody.
The said allegations circulated on Facebook alleged that one an indigene of Amasiri was killed in Police custody while another allegation claimed he died at the Military cantonment in Abakaliki.
Four persons were killed in Okporojo village, a neighbouring community to Amasiri last month in a long boundary dispute between the two communities.
The killings were blamed on the Amasiri people by the state government which deployed a joint security task force to the community.
The state government also put down all government offices, closed down schools and imposed a stringent 20 hours curfew amongst other punitive sanctions on the community.
The task force was accused of various human rights infractions with the latest being the alleged torture of the young man to death.
But the Police spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu and the Cantonment Commander, Nkwagu Military Barracks, Lt. Col. Emmanuel Chielo denied the allegations in separate statements on Friday.
Mr Ukandu in his own statement said no suspect died in police custody in the state.
“The Nigeria Police Force, Ebonyi State Command, is aware of a trending publication on Facebook from a handle identified as"Amasiri LGA Forum" alleging that"Amasiri has lost another soul, he died in police custody in Abakaliki, he was tortured to death.’
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"The Command unequivocally rejects this allegation in its entirety. At no time did any individual die in police custody in the course of investigations relating to the Amasiri/ Okporojor incident,” Mr Ukandu said.
The spokesperson further stated that its peacekeeping operations in Amasiri/ Okporojor were conducted with utmost professionalism and in strict compliance with the law, including enforcement of directives issued by the state government.
According to the police, suspects arrested in connection with the incident were charged to court upon conclusion of preliminary investigations, in line with due process.
Mr Ukandu said investigations remain ongoing and that any additional suspects identified would be arraigned accordingly.
The Police cautioned individuals and groups against spreading what it described as unfounded allegations and campaigns of calumny, warning that those responsible could face legal consequences.
