Tension has gripped Bende Local Government Area of Abia State following the death of a youth, Mr. Akobundu Okorie Wisdom, who reportedly slumped and died while being interrogated by officers at the Bende Police Division.
Wisdom, a native of Ozuitem and resident of Bende town, was said to have been invited by the police for questioning over an alleged offence.
However, he reportedly collapsed during the interrogation and was later confirmed dead at a hospital in Umuahia.
While a police source claimed the deceased took ill and died on the way to the hospital, residents of Bende alleged that he was beaten to death in police custody.
The incident sparked outrage across the community as angry residents stormed the Bende Police Division, demanding justice and threatening retaliation.
Abia State Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, who led a team of senior officers to the area, appealed for calm and assured residents that the matter would be thoroughly investigated.
“I want to assure you that justice will be done. As I am talking to you, all the policemen involved in the interrogation have been placed under investigation at the CID,” the Commissioner stated.
The Executive Chairman of Bende Local Government Area, Uwabunkonye Bassey, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as tragic.
“According to preliminary reports, the late Mr. Wisdom was accused of an offence and invited to the Bende Police Station for questioning.
Sadly, he reportedly slumped during interrogation and, despite being rushed to a hospital in Umuahia, was confirmed dead by medical personnel,” Bassey said.
Authorities have since launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the young man’s death.