One policeman killed, others injured as Police, NSCDC clash in Ebonyi

A violent confrontation between operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Amaeze community, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has resulted in the death of a police officer and left several others injured.

The Chairman of Ivo LGA, Emmanuel Ajah, confirmed the incident on Thursday, disclosing that he was briefed by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Ivo Division about the bloody clash.

“I was informed by the DPO that there was a clash involving the police and civil defence officers in Amaeze community, and unfortunately, one police officer lost his life in the process,” Ajah said.

Eyewitnesses in Amaeze, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that the deceased officer, identified simply as Shedrack, may have been mistakenly shot by his colleagues in the confusion.

According to accounts, the incident occurred after three Toyota Hilux vans carrying about 30 policemen allegedly intercepted an NSCDC vehicle transporting mining equipment to a site in the area. The situation escalated when gunfire erupted.

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“In the course of the fracas, Shedrack allegedly attempted to disarm a civil defence officer. But when other policemen tried to shoot at the NSCDC operative, they mistakenly hit their colleague, who died on the spot. Some others sustained gunshot injuries,” an eyewitness narrated.

The late officer’s body has been deposited at a morgue, while the injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

As of press time, neither the Ebonyi State Police Command nor the NSCDC authorities had issued official statements regarding the incident. Efforts to reach the Command’s spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, were unsuccessful.

The incident adds to growing concerns about recurring clashes between security agencies in Nigeria, often raising questions about inter-agency coordination, professionalism, and rules of engagement.