The State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Anambra, Edwin Osuala, has initiated an investigation into the reported assault on online journalist Izunna Okafor by personnel of the state command.
In a press statement on Sunday, NSCDC’s Public Relations Officer, Okadigbo Edwin, announced the investigation, assuring that those found responsible for the alleged assault would face justice.
Okafor claimed to have been beaten by NSCDC personnel when he attempted to retrieve his phone, which he had misplaced in a van transporting him and NSCDC officers to an event in Nnewi.
Recounting the incident, Okafor stated, “I was in the same bus with the civil defense officials from Awka to the venue of the Anambra South Rally of the Soludo Ambassadors, which was held at Nnewi on Saturday, while the same bus (provided by the organizers of the event) also conveyed us back to Awka.”
He further explained, “The officials had earlier complained of hunger and frustration on their way back from the rally, but trouble started when I wanted to alight at the UNIZIK junction, but the driver ignored me on the instruction of the civil defense officers, who insisted that everybody must remain in the bus and follow them to the very last bus stop where they would alight.”
