A deadly clash between operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Amaeze community, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has led to the death of one police officer and left several others injured.
The incident, which happened earlier this week, has raised concerns about coordination, discipline, and rivalry between Nigeria’s security agencies, especially in areas where joint operations are common.
Confirming the unfortunate incident on Thursday, the Chairman of Ivo Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Ajah, said he was briefed by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the area about the confrontation.
“I was informed by the DPO that there was a clash involving police and civil defence officers in Amaeze community, and unfortunately, one police officer lost his life in the process,” Ajah stated during a press interaction.
While official statements from the police and NSCDC are yet to be released as of press time, sources in the community described the situation as a misunderstanding that turned violent.
Eyewitnesses allege that three Toyota Hilux vans carrying around 30 policemen intercepted an NSCDC vehicle transporting mining equipment to a site in the area. According to one source, the policemen opened fire on the NSCDC van without clear provocation.
“In the course of the shootout, a police officer, identified as Shedrack, tried to disarm a civil defence officer. But when other policemen tried to shoot the NSCDC man, they mistakenly hit their own colleague, who died on the spot,” the source said.
The incident reportedly caused panic in the quiet community, with residents fleeing the area for fear of further violence.
The deceased officer, simply identified as Shedrack, has since been taken to a nearby morgue, while those injured were rushed to the hospital for treatment. The number of wounded officers has not yet been confirmed.
Attempts to get an official response from the Ebonyi State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, could not be reached for comments.
The NSCDC, too, has yet to issue a statement clarifying what led to the clash or confirming whether any of its men were injured or arrested during the confrontation.
This silence has only increased public speculation and fear, especially in a region where mining activities, illegal or otherwise, often create tensions between various security outfits and private interests.
The clash in Ebonyi is not the first time Nigeria’s security agencies have engaged in violent confrontations with one another. Over the years, there have been reported cases of turf wars, miscommunication, and poor coordination among the police, NSCDC, army, and other paramilitary units.
Ebonyi State, particularly the Ivo axis, has seen a rise in mining activities in recent years, with both licensed and illegal operators active in the area. This has drawn attention from both state and federal authorities, as well as security operatives.
Meanwhile, residents of Amaeze are calling for calm and the restoration of peace, urging security agencies to resolve their differences through proper channels.
