Tragedy struck along the Umuezegwu – Mbawsi road in Isiala Ngwa North council area of Abia State when an unidentified naval officer stationed at the Naval College of Administration and Finance, Owerri-Nta, fatally shot a man identified as Majo Nwogu. The incident occurred after Nwogu allegedly refused to stop at a checkpoint erected by naval personnel.
According to eyewitnesses, the victim was riding his motorcycle when he approached the naval checkpoint but ignored commands to stop. In response, a naval officer fired a shot at Nwogu’s back, leaving him critically wounded.
Contrary to the eyewitness accounts, the Navy claimed that Nwogu was implicated in a case of tricycle theft and was shot during an attempted arrest while allegedly struggling with a naval officer’s firearm.
Reports also revealed that the naval personnel had set up a barricade in the area, forcing motorcycle riders to dismount and traverse the checkpoint on foot before continuing their journey. This practice has been a source of frustration and humiliation for riders, with Nwogu allegedly paying the ultimate price for failing to comply with the checkpoint protocol.
After the shooting, the naval personnel purportedly instructed other motorcycle riders to transport the injured Nwogu to the hospital before hastily departing from the scene in their vehicle.
Despite efforts by sympathizers and community members to provide medical assistance, Nwogu succumbed to his injuries before reaching the hospital.
The incident has sparked outrage among residents, who have condemned the use of lethal force by security personnel and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Nwogu’s death.