A deadly clash between soldiers and residents in Lere District, Bauchi State, has reportedly led to the death of five people while eight others are injured.
According to eyewitnesses, the soldiers from Operation Haven of the Nigerian Army, who were enforcing a curfew imposed by the local Emir, Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar Bawa, stormed a market at 9pm, an hour before the scheduled curfew, and opened fire on the crowd.
An Eyewitness said, “Yesterday, a motor driver was stopped at a checkpoint, and when he refused to give money to the soldiers, they brutally beat him.
“The youths of Lere mobilised to the checkpoint to intervene, but the soldiers and mobile police officers opened fire, killing Habibu Aminu Mahmoud, 31, a graduate of Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, and three others: Salau Ahmad Kasim, 13, Babawo Lauwahu Kanji, 32, and Deene Baban Uwale, 15.
“Usman Abubakar was also killed. The soldiers and police prevented the injured youths from getting medical attention, blocking them from being taken to the hospital until they confirmed their deaths.
When contacted,Bauchi Police spokesperson Ahmad Wakili confirmed the incident but attributed it to a clash between soldiers and Peoples Democratic Party members.
He stated that an investigation is underway to ensure justice is served.
