From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has ordered an investigation into a dispute involving its personnel and some civilians at Unguwan Gangare, Barakallahu, in the Kaduna metropolis which resulted in the death of one person and others with injuries.
It was gathered that the area was thrown into panic during a confrontation between the youths and the security operatives when one person was shot dead.
NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, confirmed the fracas in a statement made available to newsmen.
The statement added that those injured were receiving treatment at the 461 NAF Hospital.
“We deeply regret the loss of a life and have reached out to the family of the deceased to express our condolences and assure them of a thorough investigation and justice,” Olusola said.
He described the Air Force as a professional force committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct, adding that anyone found culpable would be held accountable.
The affected residents claimed that NAF personnel had an issue with a resident because of a woman and mobilized his colleagues to the community.
One said, “This happened at a village not far from the Air Force Institute of Technology in Kaduna. Before this incident, residents have a lot to say about the aggressiveness of the soldiers.
“There was a time when a curfew was introduced in this area, that people should not go out. We were watching football, and the soldiers came and scattered everywhere, people’s properties went missing, among others.
“Yesterday’s attack started because of a fight between a soldier and a resident over a woman. The soldier later returned with his colleagues, and they started beating people, shooting into the air, and chasing everyone.”
“Unfortunately, the person who was killed knew nothing about the whole thing; he was hit by a bullet from the gunshot by the soldiers, and he died.
“The two others were shot — one on his shoulder, the other on his leg. They are presently in the hospital. It was a tragic incident that has caused panic in the whole of the community.”
Another eyewitness, who also requested anonymity, described the chaos:
“The soldiers entered our area, killed one person, and injured two others. They were just shooting, anyhow. I saw the boy die right in front of me,” he said.
