A wave of tension has enveloped Ozuitem community in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State following the sudden death of a young man, identified as Mr. Akobundu Okorie Wisdom, during police interrogation at the Bende Police Division.
Residents allege that the 30-year-old, who lived in Bende town, was brutalised by police operatives while being questioned over an undisclosed offence. However, the police have denied the allegation, insisting that the deceased merely slumped during interrogation and died while being taken to hospital.
A police source at the division disclosed that Mr. Wisdom “suddenly collapsed” and was immediately rushed to an undisclosed hospital in Umuahia, where he was later confirmed dead.
But eyewitnesses and close associates of the deceased claim otherwise. They insist that he was “beaten to death” in police custody, accusing the officers of high-handedness and demanding justice.
The news of Wisdom’s death quickly spread through Bende town, sparking outrage and protests. Dozens of residents, many of them weeping uncontrollably, stormed the police station, demanding an explanation from the authorities and vowing that the matter would not be swept under the carpet.
In a swift response, the Abia State Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, led a team of senior officers to the scene to calm the situation. Addressing the angry crowd, he assured that the command would conduct a thorough investigation.
“I want to assure you that justice will be done. As I speak, all officers involved in the interrogation have been placed in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department for proper inquiry,” the Commissioner said.
Also reacting, the Executive Chairman of Bende Local Government Area, Mr. Uwabunkonye Bassey, described the incident as “deeply regrettable” and called for calm while investigations continue.
“Preliminary reports suggest that the late Mr. Wisdom was invited for questioning at the Bende Police Station and allegedly slumped during interrogation. Despite efforts to revive him and subsequent transfer to a hospital in Umuahia, he was confirmed dead by medical personnel,” Bassey stated.
