Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has called for calm over the alleged killing of a  tricycle rider by a soldier in Aba on Wednesday.

The deceased, who was identified as Mr. Chiomaobi Nwaogu Uzoukwa, was allegedly killed over his refusal to pay N100 bribe.

The governor, in a statement by the state’s Commissioner for Information, John Okiyi, said the government is already engaging relevant agencies to establish the identities of those involved in the reported incident with a view to ensuring adequate punishment for whoever is found culpable.

The statement read,

“The attention of Abia State Government has been drawn to a violent incident involving a security agent and an individual, identified as Mr Chimaobi Nwaorgu, who allegedly lost his life from gunshot wounds in Umuokereke-Ngwa, a village in Obingwa LGA of the State.

Subsequently, youths of the community reportedly took the corpse of the victim to Ogbor Hill Area of Aba to lodge a protest at a media house which led to some skirmishes.

“We wish to call on citizens and residents of the affected areas to remain calm, peaceful and not take the law into their hands. The Government is already engaging relevant agencies to establish the identities of those involved in the reported incident with a view to ensuring adequate punishment for whoever is found culpable.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Nwaorgu who reportedly lost his life and we pray God to give them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

“This administration led by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu considers security of lives and property of our citizens and residents as its most sacred assignment and will not accept any act that would undermine it. We will therefore continue to do whatever is necessary to protect our people as well as ensure that the cause of justice is always served.