Police confirm death of man allegedly shot by soldiers

Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed the death of one Habibu Aminu of Lere village in Tafawa Balewa LGA of the state who was reportedly shot by soldiers.

The late Habibu and others from the village were allegedly shot by a Soldier with Operation Safe Heaven stationed in the area on Tuesday following an altercation between them.

Confirming the situation via mobile phone conversation, 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 “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, “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 dispatched a Unit of the Mobile Police Force to the area for reinforcement.

He also stated that the officers who 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.”

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE