From our correspondent, in Damaturu
The Yobe state Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni has called for a more harmonious military/civilian relationship in Gashua to promote peace in the area.
A statement by Buni’s DG Press, Mamman Mohammed said Governor Buni gave the directive following the misunderstanding between the two parties.
He described as unfortunate, that such an incidence is happening at a time when the state is enjoying relative peace across the state.
Gov. Buni observed with dismay the reoccurring incidence of violence in Gashua saying, the state government would meet with the Military authorities to bring a permanent solution to threats to civil/military relationship.
“It is sad and regrettable that lives are lost in an avoidable circumstance.
“We should always be united to fight our common enemy and not to be adversaries against ourselves, ” the governor cautioned.
He noted that the military and the residents have responsibilities to one another to achieve collective peace.
The governor prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased persons and condoled with their families.
He directed free treatment to those who sustained injuries in the accident and were admitted in the Specialist Hospital, Gashua.
Meanwhile, Senator Ahmad Lawan, who represents Yobe North, has called on military authorities to immediately investigate the killing of three innocent civilians by soldiers in Gashu’a.
He said that, “It was reported on Sunday that soldiers fired indiscriminately into groups of protesters who were approaching their stop-and-search check point near Gashua bridge to protest the alleged killing of a tricycle operator by the soldiers in Gashu’a.
“Reports indicate that a total of three (3) civilians were killed while 12 people were taken to Federal Medical Centre Nguru, for treatment over injuries sustained from the attack by the soldiers, ” he said.
The former Senate President, in a statement he personally signed, on Sunday, demanded a swift investigation by the military into the tragic incident.
Sen. Lawan, who currently chairs the Senate Committee on Defence, said that efforts must be made by the Nigerian Army to ensure that the perpetrators behind the acts of violence are held accountable and responsible for their actions.
He has also taken full responsibility for the treatment of all those who were injured.
The statement read:“I am deeply saddened by the Sunday’s tragic event that took place in Gashua, Yobe State, where soldiers allegedly killed three innocent civilians who were amongst those protesting the killing of a tricycle operator by the soldiers.
“I call on the military authorities to swiftly investigate and bring to justice those responsible for the killings. It is imperative that those behind these senseless acts of violence are held accountable for their actions. Justice must be served for the victims and their families.
“Accordingly, I have waded into the issue by contacting the Bade Local Government Chairman and Commanding Officer for an hourly brief to keep me abreast of developments. I have also taken responsibility for the treatment of all the 12 persons who sustained various forms of injuries from the attack by soldiers, “, he said.
