The Bauchi State Police Command has called on residents to remain calm after a soldier was shot dead in the state. 

The state police public relations officer (PPRO), CSP Ahmed Wakil, made the call on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Sani Omolori-Aliyu.

Mr Omolori-Aliyu stated that inter-agency security forces had initiated a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

He recalled how a blogger narrated the incident in which a member of the Nigerian Army attached to the 33 Artillery Brigade was, on August 25, fatally shot by a mobile police inspector allegedly on illegal duty.

“The blogger also said the incident occurred at about 7:50 p.m. on August 25, when personnel from the 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi, purportedly stopped a truck with the registration number: Gombe 676-BLG at a checkpoint in Futuk village,” Mr Omolori-Aliyu stated.

He said the truck driver had refused to stop, prompting the deceased guard commander, Master Warrant Officer Ali Haruna, to pursue the vehicle with his team on motorbikes until they intercepted it.

“And upon stopping the truck, Insp. Yusuf Ibrahim, a mobile police officer, exited his vehicle and opened fire on the guard commander, striking him in the abdomen.

“The blogger added that the soldiers at the scene overpowered the policeman and disarmed him. The injured officer was transported to Gombe Specialist Hospital for urgent medical attention, but tragically succumbed to the gunshot wound,” Mr Omolori-Aliyu added.

He, however, stated that preliminary investigation revealed that the truck was associated with Guruje Mining Company Limited and ZURFI Company Limited, which possessed valid legal licences in Gwana, Alkaleri LGA. 

The CP added that relevant fees as revenue were paid to the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, referenced by RRR code 3212-7561-4841.

“The mobile police officers attached to these companies were formally requested and approved to provide security for the safety of expatriate workers and fulfil other security responsibilities associated with the company. Insp. Ibrahim was among those assigned to this duty,” Mr Omolori-Aliyu stated.

(NAN)