An Inspector attached to the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has been disarmed, arrested and detained after he fired his weapon at a checkpoint which hit a seven-year-old boy travelling with his parents.
The incident occurred on September 11 along Abak Road, Uyo, the state capital, when the Inspector, Monday Okonta, attached to the Quick Response Squad (QRS), allegedly fired his weapon during a stop and search operation on the road.
It was gathered that around 9:30 p.m., operatives of the squad, while conducting the routine stop-and-search operation, stopped the vehicle conveying members of the boy’s family.
Apparently, there was a disagreement and during the encounter, the pistol of the Inspector was said to have been discharged, resulting in an injury to the left hand of the seven-year-old boy who was inside the vehicle.
Immediately the incident was brought to the attention of the Commissioner of Police, he directed that Inspector Monday Okonta be identified, disarmed and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Uyo, pending the outcome of a comprehensive investigation.
“The Commissioner of Police also directed senior officers of the command to immediately visit the injured child at the hospital to ascertain his condition and ensure that he receives necessary medical attention. The child is presently reported to be in stable condition and responding to treatment.
“CP Azare expressed concern over the unfortunate incident and assured the family of the injured child that the command would establish the full circumstances surrounding the matter.
“The CP appealed to members of the public, particularly the family concerned, to remain calm and allow the investigation to run its full course, assuring that the process will be transparent, professional and fair to all parties,” the command said in a statement on Saturday.
