DSS reacts to reports accusing personnel of killing man in Anambra

The Department of State Services (DSS) has reacted to reports that its staff allegedly shot and killed a native of Onyeaocha Umuokwu on Christmas Day.

The event allegedly occurred at Alor Community in Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State.

Umuokwu was allegedly chasing after a cow, to be slaughtered for the Christmas.

The cow had untied itself and was fleeing when an unidentified security personnel, in a bid to stop the animal from escaping, shot at it, only to gun down Umuokwu.

The deceased was a domestic staff of an influential Anambra indigene, Engr Emeka Eze.

“It is not true that a DSS personnel was responsible for this act”, Petter Afunanya, DSS spokesman, said in a statement Friday night.

He noted that the Police has issued a statement informing the public that it was yet to conclude its investigation to determine the actual killer of the person in question.

“However, enquiries have indicated that a member of a vigilante group in the area carried out the shooting”, DSS said.

“The public is therefore urged to discountenance the story that the DSS personnel shot anyone in the community.

“Arms handling in the Service is guided by strict control procedures and measures such that none of its staff could have used his/her assigned gun to shoot an innocent native or escaping cow.

“The Service is professional and will remain so in the discharge of its duties. It is committed to the maintenance of peace and public safety across the country during and after the yuletide season.”

Some indigenes who spoke to newsmen lamented the loss of Umuokwu, describing him as a very popular indigene of the community.

His remains has been deposited in an undisclosed morgue in the area.