As the number people allegedly killed by the police in Abia State rises to five with the killing of businessman, Friday Arunsi, the State Government has read the riot act to security operatives in the state to operate within established rules of engagement guiding their interaction with the civilian populace or face it wrath.

This is coming on the heels of the dismissal of a soldier accused of killing of a resident in the Umuokereke Ngwa area of the state.

The condemnation of the alleged atrocious acts of the some of the security personnel in the State was delivered by the Chief of Staff to the State Governor, Dr. Anthony Agbazuere, and the State Commissioner for Information, John Kalu, who spoke to newsmen in Umuahia, the state capital.

Dr Agabzuere disclosed that the said soldier was dismissed from the Nigerian Army and has been remanded in a correctional facility in the State, stressing that the prosecution of the erring security operative would serve as a deterrent for other arms-bearing officials involved in such an act.

According to him, the State Government is strongly against the unnecessary shooting of residents and the consequent loss of their lives, insisting that the recklessness of some security operatives in the state must be nipped in the bud.

Unconfirmed reports have it that the number of persons allegedly killed by security operatives in Abia State has risen to five.

On his part, the Information Commissioner declared that the State Government will not tolerate the unwarranted killing of its citizens in the enforcement of the established protocols for the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said the Governor and members of the Abia State Government were shocked over the news of the alleged extra-judicial killing of citizens by security agents in Ohafia, adding that the government has also received reports of ongoing clash involving the community youth and security agents.

Kalu informed that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu appeals to all parties to ensure immediate restoration of calm to allow proper investigation to be conducted with a view to bringing those who are culpable to justice.

Both Agbazuere and Kalu commended the heads of the security agencies and other diligent security personnel in Abia State for their efforts and commitment in ensuring the safety of residents and their properties, directing them to rein in their officers and men and compel them to conduct themselves in a proper manner within the ambit of the military code of conduct.