The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed the killing of one Habibu Aminu from Lere village in the Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of the state by an operative of Operation Safe Heaven stationed in the area.
This was disclosed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil, in a press release issued on Wednesday.
Wakil explained that the situation arose following an altercation between some members of the Peoples Democratic Party from Lere Village, and personnel of Operation Safe Heaven stationed in Tafawa Balewa.
He noted, “It is important to note that the command swiftly responded to the situation.
“Upon receiving the information, the Commissioner, Auwal Musa Mohammed, dispatched a unit of the Mobile Police Force to the area for reinforcement.”
The PPRO stated that a team of detectives has been constituted to conduct a professional, diligent, and timely investigation to ensure that 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 utilises all necessary protocols, including technical and scientific tools, “he added.
According to him, it is crucial to ensure that thorough investigations are carried out to provide justice and resolution in the matter.
Speaking to journalists later on the matter, the PPRO maintained that reports available indicated that the late Habibu and others from the village were allegedly shot by the soldier on Tuesday following an altercation between them.
Wakil, stated, “Today, August 7, 2024, some members of the Peoples Democratic Party from Lere Village in Tafawa Balewa LGA in three Sharon vehicles went for a campaign in Lere district preparatory to local government elections coming up on August 17, 2024.
“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.”
The PPRO added, “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 to free the arrested driver. In the event of that, the troop retracted and opened fire at the people.”
He noted that the development led to one Habibu Aminu, Babawo, Nawawu, Abdulrashid, Ahmed Yashim, and Yakubu Bello, all residents of Tafawa Balewa, sustaining various degrees of injuries.
He further stated that Habibu Aminu later died at the hospital while others were responding to treatment.
“Some more people went and mobilised themselves and attacked the palace of the District Head of Lere,” he added.
(PUNCH)