In response to reports of civil unrest at Wuse Market today, March 12, 2024, around 3:30 PM, Commissioner of Police FCT Command, CP Benneth Igweh posted on his X handle, formerly twitter that he personally led a team of police officers to the scene.
They swiftly assessed the situation and restored order.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Ibrahim Yahaya, 27 years old, was apprehended by operatives of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, AEPB, Task Force. He was taken before a mobile court, which convenes every Tuesday in Wuse Market, and was subsequently convicted.
While being conveyed to the prison along with others, Yahaya reportedly jumped from the vehicle and attempted to escape. Two armed corrections personnel pursued him and, during the chase, shot him. Yahaya was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed his death.
The incident incited anger among some witnesses, leading to the burning of eight vehicles and ten shops in the area. The chaotic situation prompted a response from residents and was eventually brought under control by the Federal Fire Service and other security agencies.
READ ALSO: Fire engulfs Wuse market in Abuja
However, FCT Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, stated that the cause of the fire at Wuse Market is still under investigation. Nkechi Isa, Head of Public Affairs at FEMA stated that: “FEMA received a distress call via the 112 emergency toll-free number at 4:05 pm regarding a fire incident at Wuse Market. As the lead coordinating body for emergencies in the FCT, FEMA promptly mobilized stakeholders, including the FCT Fire Service, Federal Fire Service, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, FCT Police Command, and Julius Berger Fire Service, to the scene.”
Although calm has been restored, investigations are ongoing. The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Benneth Igweh, urges residents to carry on with their lawful activities peacefully. He also encourages residents to report any suspicious activities through emergency hotlines: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883; and PCB: 09022222352.
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