Author: Gist Correspondent

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has detained an Inspector, Monday Okonta, over the alleged shooting and injury of a seven-year-old boy during a stop-and-search operation in Uyo, the state capital.

The incident reportedly occurred at about 9:30pm last Friday along Abak Road, where police personnel stopped a vehicle conveying members of a family.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, a firearm was allegedly discharged by Inspector Okonta during the encounter, hitting the child in the left hand.

Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, ordered that the officer be disarmed and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Uyo, pending the outcome of a comprehensive investigation.

The police said the officer would remain in detention while investigators establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The command also disclosed that CP Azare personally visited the injured child at the hospital, where he interacted with members of the family and assessed the boy's condition.

It said the child was in stable condition and responding to treatment.

The Commissioner reportedly assured the family that the command would thoroughly investigate the incident and establish what led to the discharge of the firearm.

Azare stressed that while police officers would continue to conduct lawful stop-and-search operations as part of their crime prevention duties, such operations must be carried out with professionalism, restraint and respect for the safety and rights of members of the public.

He further warned that the command would not shield or condone misconduct, recklessness or abuse of authority by its personnel.

The investigation is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the firearm discharge and establish responsibility for the incident.