AS police brutality continues to receive widespread condemnations, Mr Victor David, a park attendant in Oron Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the state police command over an injury he sustained from gunshots fired at him by a police officer.
The victim cried out that his bullet-riddled leg might be amputated if urgent help does not come.
“Since the incident took place, I have not been able to fend for my family since I am completely incapacitated,” David lamented.
He alleged that he was shot by Mr Joseph Udonwo, a former Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Okobo Local Government Area who has since been transferred to Nsit-Ubim Local Government Area of the state because of the incident.
“I was at my duty post when some policemen arrived and picked me up along with others over allegation of stealing.
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“I want justice. My right leg is condemned. I have been in pain for some time now. I live on charity and handouts as I cannot do anything on my own. Since the DPO is on salary, they should ensure that he surrenders part of that salary for my welfare and medical treatment before my leg decays completely,” he said.
“I was at the park on that fateful day when suddenly I saw some police officers driving towards a medical centre near the park.
“There was a robbery attack on the medical facility the night before and when the police officers arrived, all of us rushed to see what was happening. The DPO ordered me to enter the van and they drove me to the station at Okobo.
“He collected a rifle from one of his men and tested it but it did not fire. He then shot on the ground and missed my leg narrowly. He fired again and missed but the third gunshot hit my right leg. The bullet pierced through the flesh to the other side,” David explained.
The coordinator of the of Akwa Ibom Human Rights Community (AHRC), Mr Clifford Thomas, who expressed worry on the spate of police brutality in the state, said: “We are following the case to make sure we get justice for the victim.”