THE Chairman of Ethiope East Local Government, Augustine Ogedegbe, has expressed deep sadness over the killing of a pregnant woman in Abraka, Delta State, allegedly by a stray bullet from an officer attached to the Operation Delta Sweep security outfit.
The incident, which occurred at the weekend, has sparked outrage in the community, with residents demanding justice for the victim, who was yet to be identified as of press time.
Eyewitnesses said the woman was hit during a hot chase of suspected internet fraudsters, a development that left many shaken.
A viral video circulating on social media showed the victim, clad in a blood-stained white shirt, being hurriedly placed into a vehicle by a uniformed officer and bystanders in a desperate attempt to save her. She, however, was confirmed dead before reaching the hospital.
Reacting to the incident in a statement on Saturday night, Ogedegbe described the woman’s death as tragic and assured that the local government would ensure accountability.
“While we acknowledge the challenging work our security personnel face in maintaining law and order, it is deeply concerning to see incidents like this, which diverge from their intended duties of combating crime and ensuring public safety.
“We will pursue this issue with the seriousness it deserves and ensure that justice is served while taking the necessary steps to prevent such occurrences in the future,” the statement read in part.
The chairman further appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands, stressing the importance of allowing due process to take its course.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the family of the deceased during this difficult time,” he said.
