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Tragedy in Enugu: Police Officer Shoots Popular Ogene Musician, ‘Igbo Jah,’ Dead

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In a shocking tragedy that has rocked Enugu State, popular Ogene musician Okezie Chikezie Mba, known as “Igbo Jah,” has reportedly been shot and killed by a member of the Nigerian Police Force.

The incident has sparked an outcry across Nigeria, with many calling for urgent reforms in the handling of firearms by police officers.

The unfortunate event took place on October 25, 2024, when Igbo Jah visited the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad headquarters in Enugu.

The musician was reportedly leaving the premises after a “friendly visit” when an officer unexpectedly fired a shot, which fatally wounded him.

Eyewitnesses have described the shooting as an “accidental discharge,” yet the specifics surrounding the shot that ended Igbo Jah’s life remain unclear.

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Social media has erupted with videos and comments from fans and shocked citizens alike, expressing disbelief and anger.

One popular social media account, Naija Trend, posted a video showing Igbo Jah’s lifeless body lying in a pool of blood.

“Popular Ogene Musician ‘Igbo Jah’ Has Tragically Passed After Being Shot By Anti-Cult Police Officer In What Has Been Described As An ‘Accidental Discharge,’” read the post, capturing the frustration of fans who are demanding answers.

The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the incident and acknowledged that the officer involved has been arrested and detained.

Spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe released a statement on Saturday, shedding light on the events and assuring the public of an ongoing investigation.

Ndukwe stated, “A male Police Inspector serving in the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad of the Enugu State Police Command has been arrested and detained for the alleged murder of Okezie Chikezie Mba, popularly known as Igbo Jah.”

According to him, the police inspector allegedly discharged his firearm under circumstances that remain unclear, resulting in Igbo Jah’s death.

The musician was reportedly rushed to the hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead upon arrival.

Reacting to the incident, Commissioner of Police in Enugu, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has called for calm while assuring the public that justice will be served.

The Commissioner expressed his condolences to Igbo Jah’s family, friends, and fans, describing the incident as “unacceptable.”

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“CP Kanayo empathizes and consoles the victim’s family, friends, and associates, describing the unfortunate incident as unacceptable,” said Ndukwe, the police spokesperson.

“The Commissioner has ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State CID to conduct a full-scale investigation that will facilitate prompt and appropriate disciplinary actions against the police officer involved,” he continued.

This tragic incident has reignited debates across Nigeria about police professionalism and the training of officers, particularly when it comes to firearms handling.

Igbo Jah’s death comes barely two weeks after another fatal incident in Enugu, where police allegedly shot and killed a man named Smith Odinaka during a stop-and-search operation along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.

Despite public outcry, the officers involved in that case remain unidentified, fueling widespread frustration and anger over accountability within the Nigerian Police Force.

In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed multiple cases of “accidental discharge” incidents involving the police, many of which have had deadly outcomes.

The issue has brought the Police Force under heavy scrutiny, with critics arguing that lack of proper firearm handling and insufficient disciplinary measures contribute to these avoidable tragedies.

The passing of Igbo Jah is not only a tragic loss for his family but also a major blow to Nigeria’s Ogene music scene.

Ogene, a traditional Igbo music genre, is widely celebrated for its rhythmic drumming, chanting, and rich cultural significance.

Igbo Jah had carved out a unique space for himself in the industry, earning a devoted fan base through his performances and contributions to Nigerian cultural music.

Fans have taken to social media to mourn him, with many highlighting his role in preserving the traditions of the Igbo people and sharing messages of sorrow and disbelief.

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