ABIA POLICE COMMAND DENIES RECEIVING REPORTS ON ALLEGED KILLINGS BY COMMUNITY VIGILANTE GROUPS

ABIA POLICE COMMAND DENIES RECEIVING REPORTS ON ALLEGED KILLINGS BY COMMUNITY VIGILANTE GROUPS

The Abia State Police Command has responded to a recent broadcast by Arise Television alleging that community vigilante groups were responsible for the killings of young men and adult males in parts of the state.

According to the report aired by the station, the alleged incidents occurred in Umuogele and Iheorji in Aba South Local Government Area, and Nkpaevula in Ugwunagbo LGA, with claims that traditional rulers (Ezes) in the affected communities backed the vigilante groups involved.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Command stated categorically that it had not received any formal complaint or report related to such killings at its Headquarters, Area Commands, or Divisional Headquarters. It also confirmed that no report had been submitted through its emergency hotlines, Complaint Response Unit, or any of its verified social media channels.

Despite the absence of an official complaint, the Command says it has launched an investigation into the alleged incidents. A team headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) is currently probing the matter.

The investigation is aimed at uncovering the truth and tracking down any individuals who may be responsible, should the allegations prove true.

“The Command is actively engaging all relevant stakeholders,” the statement noted. “These include traditional rulers, vigilante group leaders, and youth leaders from the communities mentioned.”

The Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, reaffirmed the Police Command’s dedication to safeguarding the lives and property of all residents in Abia State.

He noted that the state continues to enjoy relative peace, owing to the efforts of the police, strong governmental support, inter-agency collaboration, and the cooperation of the public.

CP Isa also encouraged members of the public to report any threat to their safety using appropriate and verified police channels. He emphasized that the Command remains accessible at all levels, including through its Area Commands and Divisional Offices across the state.

“We urge anyone with credible information regarding these allegations to come forward and assist the investigation,” the statement concluded.