Agency to investigate alleged shooting of doctor by officer in Bayelsa

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Bayelsa said it would investigate the alleged shooting of a medical doctor by its officer in Yenagoa.

The Commandant of the corps in the state, Desmond Agu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that the Commandant-General of the corps, Abdullahi Muhammadu, ordered the investigation.

NAN reports that an NSCDC officer allegedly shot at a medical doctor’s car carrying his wife and two children for hitting a stray dog on April 28 in Yenagoa.

The dog escaped unhurt while the resident doctor who was assaulted by the NSCDC officer was hospitalised.

He said that the corps does not condone indiscipline amongst its rank and file, adding that it would ensure that its officers operated within its operational guidelines and rules of engagement.

“As we speak, the young man who allegedly perpetrated the act has been detained while investigation is underway."

“If the officer is found guilty, he will be dealt with according to the provisions of the NSCDC guidelines."

“The incident is unfortunate and I have personally met with the victim, President of the Association of Resident Doctors, as well as the management of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where the doctor works."

“I have assured them that the matter will be dealt with and they attested to the cordial working relationship we have enjoyed over the years,” he said.

Agu said the NSCDC would seek to deepen the friendship and partnership with the people in its efforts to protect critical national assets in the state.