In a disturbing incident that has left the residents of Enugu in shock, a young man was shot and killed by individuals identified as “security agents” along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.
The victim, identified as Smith Odinaka, died on Sunday, 13 October, in the early hours of the morning.
The news of his death has sparked outrage, with many citizens expressing their grief and demanding justice for the tragic loss of life.
Late-Night Tragedy on the Highway
The fatal shooting occurred around 1 a.m. along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.
Odinaka was reportedly driving a Mercedes Benz with two male friends when a bullet, allegedly fired by security operatives, struck the vehicle.
He was hit in the left hip and immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Despite efforts to save his life, Odinaka was later pronounced dead by the medical team at the hospital.
The incident has drawn widespread attention, especially on social media, where photos of the victim’s lifeless body circulated, along with accusations against the police.
Many users took to various platforms to accuse the police of being responsible for the young man’s death.
Police Deny Involvement, Promise Investigation
The Enugu State Police Command, in a statement released on Wednesday, responded to the accusations.
The statement, issued by police spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe, acknowledged that security agents were involved in the shooting but denied that any police officers were responsible for the crime.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the victim was driving a Mercedes Benz car in the company of two of his male friends when a gunshot, allegedly fired by individuals suspected to be security agents, struck the vehicle,” Ndukwe explained in the statement.
He further disclosed that the bullet hit Odinaka in the left hip, leading to his tragic death.
Ndukwe stressed that no police officers or police teams have been linked to the crime so far.
He assured the public that the police would leave no stone unturned in finding the culprits.
Call for Justice
The killing of Smith Odinaka has left the Enugu community in mourning.
Family members, friends, and residents are calling for a thorough investigation into the matter, demanding that the killers be brought to justice.
Many have expressed concern over the rising cases of violence and impunity involving security operatives.
Social media has been flooded with messages of condolences and anger, with many demanding immediate answers from the authorities.
A Twitter user wrote, “This young man had his whole life ahead of him. How many more innocent people will die before we see real changes in how security agencies operate?”
Police Promise Accountability
In response to the growing outrage, the Enugu State Police Command has promised to conduct a full investigation into Odinaka’s death.
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to take over the case.
“CP Uzuegbu has assured the public that all necessary efforts will be made to identify and apprehend the perpetrators and to ensure that justice is served,” said Daniel Ndukwe, the police spokesperson.
Ndukwe also promised that the findings of the investigation would be made public once they are available.
The police have urged members of the public to remain calm and patient while the investigation is carried out.
Rising Concerns Over Security Agents in Nigeria
This incident has reignited discussions about the conduct of security agents in Nigeria and the ongoing concerns about police brutality and abuse of power.
While the Nigerian police and other security agencies are tasked with maintaining law and order, there have been numerous cases where civilians have been killed or mistreated under suspicious circumstances.
In recent years, the #EndSARS movement shone a spotlight on police misconduct, leading to widespread protests across Nigeria.
