The Imo Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) recently refuted allegations of their involvement in the death of a 15-month-old baby. According to the reports, the infant was killed by a stray bullet. The command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Lowell Chimeziri, a corps Chief Superintendent, spoke to the press on Wednesday in Owerri. He addressed the issue on behalf of the Commandant, Mr Matthew Ovye, and denied their responsibility for the incident.

Chimeziri stated that it was “unfortunate” that the NSCDC was being accused of culpability in the death of the child. He added that such an act was “unknown to the modus operandi of the corps.” The spokesperson reiterated that the corps would never engage in any activities that would cause harm or danger to innocent citizens, let alone a 15-month-old baby.

“As a command, we only received the news of the death of the boy, identified as Chidalu, when his parents visited the command’s headquarters in Owerri recently.

“They (parents) came with Chidalu’s lifeless body, alleging that he was killed by a stray bullet fired by one of the men in a white Hilux van that drove past the ever-busy Fire Service Roundabout.

“The unfortunate thing is that Chidalu’s parents were made to believe that the men in the Hilux van were officers of the NSCDC.“ he said.

According to the corps image maker, the assumption that NSCDC is responsible for the incident is “erroneous and unspeakable”. He urged the public to ignore such allegations and remain calm as the command conducts comprehensive investigations in collaboration with other security agencies to identify the culprits and bring them to justice.

He further explained that, just like in other areas, there are numerous organizations in Imo that use white Hilux vans, and there are also individuals who wear red collars. He emphasized that the NSCDC should not be associated with the shooting and denounced such a careless, cruel, and inhumane act.

Expressing sympathy to the family of the deceased, he urged them and the public to remain calm and law-abiding while awaiting the outcome of the investigation into the incident. The NSCDC is committed to upholding the law, protecting the lives and property of citizens, and maintaining peace and order in the state.

“By God’s grace, we will soon conclude our investigation and justice must prevail in this matter “, he said. (NAN)