A violent clash between operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Amaeze community, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has left one police officer dead and several others injured.

Confirming the incident on Thursday, the Chairman of Ivo LGA, Emmanuel Ajah, said he was briefed by the Divisional Police Officer about the confrontation between the two security agencies.

 “I was informed by the DPO that there was a clash involving the police and civil defence officers in Amaeze community, and unfortunately, one police officer lost his life in the process,” Ajah stated.

Eyewitnesses, however, alleged that the deceased officer, identified as Shedrack, may have been killed by friendly fire during the exchange.

According to one source, trouble began when three Toyota Hilux vans carrying about 30 policemen allegedly double-crossed and opened fire on an NSCDC van transporting mining equipment to a site in Amaeze.

“In the course of the fracas, Shedrack allegedly attempted to disarm a civil defence officer, but when other policemen tried to shoot at the NSCDC operative, they mistakenly hit their colleague, who died on the spot, while some others sustained gunshot injuries,” the source said.

The deceased officer’s body has been deposited in a morgue, while the injured have been taken to a nearby hospital.