Enugu State Sees Protests Erupt After Local Musician’s Fatal Shooting by Police
Ambience in Enugu State has turned tense as widespread protests have broken out following the reported killing of a well-known musician, Okezie Mba, popularly known as Igbo Jah, by a police inspector.
According to DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Enugu State Command, Igbo Jah was leaving the squad’s headquarters after a visit when the shooting occurred, resulting in his unfortunate loss of life. The shooting occurred roughly at 8:10 p.m.
The Enugu State police have confirmed the inspector responsible for the shooting has been detained and a thorough investigation is underway.
Reports from Saharareporters indicate that the protests have escalated, with hundreds of outraged residents marching to the anti-cult unit’s headquarters in an attempt to set it on fire. However, police officers on site successfully managed to prevent this, but the demonstrators have instead blocked several roads in the state capital, including Onu Asata, with burning tires and chanting in protest.
Law enforcement has resorted to deploying tear gas to disperse the crowds, a potent symbol of the intensity of the situation.
The sight of burning tires, a universal symbol of protest and frustration, has become a ubiquitous feature of the streets as residents demand justice in Igbo Jah’s death.
The situation remains volatile as protesters continue to demand accountability and answers surrounding the musician’s demise.
In the meantime, the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of Igbo Jah.
Governor Mbah, in a statement released on Saturday, referred to the shooting as “unfortunate” and offered his condolences to the family of the deceased.
