A 32-year-old man identified simply as Nwa-Aba was reportedly shot early yesterday morning, by an official of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Cross River State.

An NSCDC official reportedly shot at the man while he was urinating opposite the Calabar, Cross River State office of the Corps.

Though the shooter is yet to be identified, an eyewitness told The Nation that Nwa-Aba was shot twice in his waist as he relieved himself about 50 metres away from the NSCDC office.

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The eyewitness said; 

“He was urinating at a spot when the Civil Defence officer shot him in his waist. He is a labourer at the Petroleum Tanker Driver’s park. He has been rushed to the hospital and we don’t know his condition for now.”

One Bright Uzo, who also witnessed the incident, condemned the shooting, saying the bullets could have killed Nwa-Aba.

Uzo said; 

“Was he suspected of having any intention to commit a crime? They shot him before knowing that he was only urinating. Even if it was at their gate, he ought not to shoot him. He is not a criminal, he is just answering the call of nature.”

It was learnt that the shooting led to a protest by a group of youths who demanded for justice for the victim. They were however dispersed by armed officials of NSCDC. 

NSCDC spokesman, Solomon John disclosed that the incident is being investigated. John said; 

“We came in this morning (Wednesday) to discover what happened because it happened in the early hours and only officers who were on night duty witnessed it. I can tell you that there is an ongoing investigation,” he said, adding that “the guy is okay” after being rushed to hospital.