The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed the death of Habibu Aminu, who was killed by joint military operatives of Operation Safe Haven during a clash with youths in Lere town, Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State,Daily Trust reports.
Eyewitnesses informed Daily Trust that one person was killed and six others sustained bullet wounds when the military raided the homes of certain individuals involved in an altercation at the main checkpoint in Lere.
The Command Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmed Wakil, informed Daily Trust that an investigation into the incident is underway.
The altercation began between some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Lere Village and personnel of Operation Safe Haven stationed in Tafawa Balewa.
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Wakil stated, “The Command swiftly responded to the situation. Upon receiving the information, Commissioner Auwal Musa Mohammed dispatched a unit of the Mobile Police Force to the area for reinforcement. Additionally, a team of seasoned detectives has been assembled 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 that utilizes all necessary protocols, including technical and scientific tools, to ensure thorough investigations and justice,” Wakil added.
Babawo Lauwawu, who sustained bullet wounds during the incident, recounted, “Yesterday (Tuesday), shortly after I left our Mai Shayi joint, we heard that a curfew had been imposed on Lere town starting from 10pm. We complied and entered our houses around 9pm, but around 9pm, we heard gunshots from the security forces even before the curfew time. They shot me in the leg while I was inside my house.”
Another victim, Zaharedden Mohammed, said there was information that the District Head of Lere (Sarki) directed the military to impose the curfew in the town. Mohammed explained that there was a misunderstanding between the military and a team of PDP supporters returning from a Local Government election campaign.
“Some youths in the campaign team had a minor issue with the military, and the military decided to use the curfew as an excuse to attack the individuals involved. We were at the market area around 9pm when we heard gunshots and ran away, but two people were shot in the legs. Later, we went to the Sarki’s palace to listen to the LGA Chairman. While waiting, a local hunter working with the military was cautioned by the youth leader to stop shooting, but he declined. He then pointed a rifle at my face and pulled the trigger, damaging one of my eyes. I now see with only one eye.”
Nurudden Isa, the driver of the vehicle that caused the misunderstanding, recounted, “I was driving with some people when I arrived at the military checkpoint in Lere. I was stopped, and the officer asked why I was speeding. I explained that I wasn’t speeding as I had stopped exactly where he asked. The officer told me they were directed to always search my vehicle. I complied and parked. Some youths nearby inquired about the thorough search, which led to a misunderstanding that was eventually resolved. Later, around 9pm, I was summoned by our village head (Madaki), who was with the military and other security agents. As soon as I stepped outside, they descended on me, hitting me from all angles, dragging me on the floor in front of my family. They shot into the air to scare everyone, then dragged me from my house to the checkpoint, causing injuries to my face and body.”
