Tragic Clash In Bauchi: Youth Shot Dead By Nigerian Soldier

A youth was killed and six others injured during a military raid in Lere town, Bauchi State, stemming from a dispute between local youths and joint military forces.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Bauchi State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has reported that a youth was killed by a soldier of the Nigerian Army in Lere town, Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, Bauchi State.

The victim, Habibu Aminu, died during a confrontation involving joint military forces from Operation Safe Haven and local youths in Lere. Eyewitnesses reported that the incident resulted in one fatality and six gunshot injuries when military personnel conducted a raid on residences linked to a dispute at the primary checkpoint in Lere.

EDITOR’S PICKS

Speaking to Daily Trust, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmed Wakil, confirmed the deceased’s identity and residence. He explained that the conflict leading to Aminu’s death stemmed from a disagreement between members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lere Village and Operation Safe Haven forces stationed in Tafawa Balewa.

Wakil stated, “Upon receiving information about the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Auwal Musa Mohammed, dispatched a unit of the Mobile Police Force for reinforcement. Additionally, a team of seasoned detectives has been constituted to conduct a professional, diligent, and timely investigation to ensure justice is served.

“The officers involved in the incident will be identified and held accountable according to the law. The Commissioner of Police is committed to a meticulous investigation process, utilizing all necessary protocols, including technical and scientific tools, to ensure a thorough investigation and provide justice and resolution in this matter.”

Earlier, Babawo Lauwawu, a survivor who sustained bullet wounds during the incident, told reporters that the chaotic situation started as a result of the purported enforcement of the curfew imposed on Lere.

“Yesterday (Tuesday), shortly after I left our Mai Shayi joint, we just heard that a curfew had been imposed on Lere town starting from 10 pm, and we didn’t know who and the reason for the imposition of the curfew, but we all complied and entered our houses around 9 pm.

“Unfortunately, around 9 pm, we just heard gunshots from security even before the time of the curfew while we were inside our houses and in the process, they shot me in my leg. We obeyed their directives and we didn’t know why they were shooting sporadically,” Lauwawu said.

Another victim who sustained gunshot wounds to his eyes, Zaharedden Mohammed, reported that there were indications suggesting that the District Head of Lere (Sarki) instructed the military to enforce a curfew in the town beginning at 10 PM.

Mohammed elaborated that a miscommunication occurred between the military personnel and a group of PDP supporters returning from a Local Government election campaign.

He said: “Some youth in the campaign team had a scuffle with the military, and the military decided to hide under the curfew to attack the individuals involved.

“We were at the market area around 9 pm when we just heard gunshots everywhere, and we ran away to scamper for safety, but in the process, two people were shot in their legs.