By Chibuife Echezona
Delta State Police Command has debunked allegations that its operatives shot a civilian in Oviore, Orerokpe.
Spokesperson of the command, SP Bright Edafe who disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Asaba, said the allegations were false and misleading.
“On April 30, a surveillance patrol team from Orerokpe Division, while on routine patrol within Okuodjedjere Community, attempted to apprehend a suspected drug user.
“The officers encountered resistance from some youths in the area, creating a tense situation.
“So, in a bid to safely disengage and prevent escalation, the officers deployed smoke canisters “TEAR GAS”, strictly as a crowd control measure.
“No live ammunition was discharged at any time during the incident”, Edafe said.
The police image maker however acknowledged that a civilian was injured in the incident.
According to him, during the process, one of the smoke canisters struck a civilian on the leg, which led to an injury.
He added that the victim was taken to the hospital, where he is currently receiving prompt medical attention.
Edafe quoted the commissioner of police, Mr. Yemi Oyeniyi as reiterating the command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, and the protection of human rights.
He said: “while the use of non-lethal crowd control measures is permitted under clearly defined guidelines, any misuse or deviation from established procedures will be dealt with decisively.
“The CP urged members of the public to disregard the false report and always rely on verified information from official police channels.
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