Police chief orders detention of officer who shot seven-year-old boy

The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Baba Azare, has visited a seven-year-old boy injured during a police stop-and-search operation in Uyo and ordered the detention of the officer allegedly involved.

The incident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on Friday along Abak Road in Uyo, when personnel of the Quick Response Squad stopped a vehicle carrying members of a family, the police said.

The state police spokesperson, Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday.

According to the statement, a smoke pistol was allegedly discharged by one of the officers during the encounter, injuring the boy in his left hand.

The officer allegedly involved, Monday Okonta, an inspector, was identified, disarmed and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Uyo, on Mr Azare’s directive.

The commissioner also ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.

Commissioner visits injured child

Mr Azare personally visited the child at the hospital, where he interacted with the family and assessed the boy’s condition.

The statement said the child was in stable condition and responding to treatment.

The commissioner expressed concern over the incident and assured the family that the circumstances surrounding the shooting would be thoroughly investigated.

Mr Azare said police officers must conduct stop-and-search operations and other lawful duties with professionalism, restraint and respect for the safety and rights of members of the public.

He also said the command would neither shield nor condone misconduct, recklessness or abuse of authority by its personnel.

“Where the investigation establishes misconduct or culpability, appropriate disciplinary and legal measures will be taken in accordance with extant laws and police regulations,” the statement said.

Recent checkpoint incident

The latest incident comes days after the command clarified a viral video showing a car accident at a police checkpoint at Ikot Obio Odongo along the Nung Udoe-Uyo Road in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.

There were claims that police officers died in the crash.

The police denied the claim, saying no officer was killed or injured in the crash.

Ms John, the police spokesperson, said a minibus stopped at the checkpoint was hit from behind by a speeding Lexus car.

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The command maintained that the checkpoint was being used for a routine stop-and-search operation.

In the latest incident, Mr Azare appealed to the affected family and the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to run its course.

He assured that the process would be transparent, professional and fair to all parties.

The police commissioner also urged residents to cooperate with officers at lawful checkpoints and stop-and-search points, while assuring the public that genuine complaints against police personnel would receive prompt attention.