Ebonyi State Police Command has debunked a rumour in Abakaliki that one of its officers committed suicide on Monday, following his posting to Maiduguri, Borno State capital.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Sgt. Donatus Oyibe was found dead inside a well on his premises in Abakaliki.
People insinuated he committed suicide on learning of his posting to Maiduguri.
Spokesperson Loveth Odah told NAN that Oyibe did not commit suicide as being insinuated.
“It is true that Oyibe was among those posted to Maiduguri in the latest posting, but that could not have made him commit suicide, being an experienced officer.
“He told one of his daughters that he was going to fetch water from the well, but was unfortunately found inside the well after.
“It is possible that he accidentally fell inside the well while fetching water or that someone mischievously pushed him inside the well,” she said.
Odah said investigations into the matter had begun, adding that the command would unravel the mystery surrounding the incident.
“This is not the first time someone has fallen inside the well and this makes me wonder why people should read meaning into this one that involved an officer.
“The death of a police officer, especially in this circumstance, should not be celebrated. This is why we are stating the fact,” she said.
A friend to the deceased, who spoke to NAN on condition of anonymity, said Oyibe had complained to friends about the posting to Maiduguri.
“He expressed fear about working in Maiduguri and was concerned over the fate of his children, as his wife died years ago.
“He was a peaceful and humble man, who would be missed by his children, friends and relatives.”