By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
A trigger happy Soldier attached to the Operation Safe Haven in Tafawa Balewa unit, Bauchi State, deployed to a checkpoint in Lere village has allegedly shot and killed a youngman, Habibu Aminu injuring four others in the process.
The confirmation of the incident was made by the Bauchi State Police Command through the Spokesperson, SP Ahmed Wakili while speaking to Timely Post Online vide a mobile telephone conversation.
Reports available indicated that the late Habibu and others from the village were allegedly shot by the Soldier on Tuesday following an alteration between them.
The Command PPRO, SP Ahmed Wakili stated that, “Today, 7th August, 2024, some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Lere Village in Tafawa Balewa LGA in 3 Sharon vehicles went for a campaign in Lere District preparatory to local government elections coming up on the 17th of August, 2024.”
He added that,”On their way back, they had to pass through a checkpoint mounted by Personnel of Operation Safe Heaven based in Tafawa Balewa. They were stopped at the checkpoint but refused to stop and drove to Lere.”
According to the PPRO, “However, the troop went and arrested one of the drivers in his house at Lere. Consequently, the people became more aggressive and went back to the checkpoint in order to free the arrested driver. In the event of that, the troop retracted and opened fire at the people.”
” As a result, one Habibu Aminu, Babawo, Nawawu, Abdulrashid, Ahmed Yashim and Yakubu Bello, all residents of Tafawa Balewa sustained various degrees of injuries. Later, the said Habibu Aminu died at the hospital while others are responding to treatment,” he added.
Wakili Ahmed added that,”Some more people went and mobilized themselves and attacked the Palace of the District Head of Lere.”
He stressed that, the Command under the leadership of the Commissioner, Auwal Musa Mohammed on receiving the information despatched a Unit of the Mobile Police Force to the area for reinforcement.
He also stated that the officers that found themselves in the situation will be identified and made to face the full wrath of the law.
The PPRO added that, “The Commissioner of Police has constituted a team, which comprises seasoned detectives and has been tasked to undertake a professional, diligent and timely investigation to ensure justice is manifestly served through a meticulous process that will deploy all requisite protocols which may include technical and scientific tools that are vital to the detailed investigations.
A source from the village had revealed that, “Habibu Aminu, a gentleman at my home town, Lere in Tafawa Balewa Local government area of Bauchi State died yesterday night as a result of gun shot.”
He added that, “Report indicated that three others were also wunded as a result of the gun shot and are now receiving treatment at a hospital. The cause of the incident according to reports was as a result of a curfew imposed on Lere Community.”
“The question here is, what prompted the curfew ? Is government aware of the curfew imposed ? Why the shootings?, he asked.
The source added that,”Please, ladies and gentlemen, my hands a tight. Investigate the situation so that Justice is done to the families of the innocent soul killed as well as those injured.”
