The Anambra State Police Command has detained a police officer in connection with an incident that resulted in the d3ath of a 3-month-old baby in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.
It was gathered that a landlord allegedly invited a police officer over a dispute with his tenant.
It was gathered that the tenant was not at home when the police officer arrived.
In the course of the intervention, the officer reportedly attempted to slap a relative of the tenant but missed, striking the baby instead, leading to the d3ath of the child.
The spokesperson for the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the incident said the officer involved is currently undergoing interrogation and other administrative procedures in line with the Nigeria Police Force disciplinary processes.
Ikenga disclosed that a full-scale investigation has commenced to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that justice is served.
The command further urged residents and members of the public to remain calm and refrain from actions capable of escalating tension in the area.
“The Anambra State Police Command confirms that the Police Officer allegedly connected with the unfortunate incident that resulted in the d3ath of a three-month old baby at Okija has been identified and taken into custody,” the statement read.
“The Command has commenced a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident to ascertain the facts and ensure that justice is served.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc mnips PhD while expressing deep regret over the unfortunate development, commiserates with the family of the deceased child and assures the public that the Command will remain transparent and professional in handling the matter.
“The officer involved is currently undergoing interrogation and other administrative procedures in line with the Nigeria Police Force disciplinary processes.
“The Command urges members of the public to remain calm and avoid actions capable of inciting tension, while assuring that no individual found culpable will be shielded from justice.
“Further developments on the outcome of the investigation will be communicated accordingly.”