By Deborah Nnamdi
Tragedy struck over the weekend at the Bende Police Division in Bende town, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, following the sudden death of a young man, Okorie Akobundu Wisdom, who reportedly slumped while in police custody.
Okorie, a native of Ozuitem community in Bende but resident in Bende town, was said to have honoured a police invitation for questioning over an undisclosed matter before the incident occurred.
Sources told reporters that the deceased allegedly slumped during interrogation and was immediately rushed to a hospital in Umuahia, the state capital, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel.
News of his death reportedly threw the entire Bende community into mourning and triggered protests by aggrieved youths and family members, who demanded a thorough investigation and justice. Some angry protesters allegedly attempted to attack the police station before reinforcement arrived to disperse them.
In the wake of the unrest, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Danladi Isa, and the Chairman of Bende Local Government Area, Deacon Bassey Uwabunkonye, visited the community to commiserate with the bereaved family and local leaders.
Both officials assured that the circumstances surrounding Okorie’s death would be thoroughly investigated, promising that justice would be served in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, the police authorities have appealed for calm, urging residents to avoid taking the law into their hands as investigations continue.
