The Nigerian Army on Tuesday said it has commenced investigation into the alleged killing of a Water Melon trader by a soldier after the seller demanded for payment of goods bought from the soldier in Zamfara.
A statement signed by Director Army Public Relations Brig.- Gen. Mohammed Yerima said, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division Major General Usman Yusuf has ordered an investigation on the incident.
While noting that the sad event is regrettable, it condoled with the family of the deceased, adding that no military operational vehicle was set ablaze as claimed by a media publication.
“It was also alleged that some angry youths in the area reacted and chased the soldier into a hotel along Gusau – Sokoto Road.
“Also stated in the report was that the angry youths blocked Gusau – Sokoto Road bye pass and set an army operational vehicle ablaze.The NA wishes to state that the sad incident is quite regrettable and condole with the family of the deceased.
“It is worthy of note that the General Officer Commanding 8 Division Major General Usman Yusuf has since commissioned an investigation to unravel the circumstances that led to the altercations which eventually claimed one life as efforts are ongoing to arrest the the yet to be identified perpetrator.
“Additionally, it is important to state that no military operational vehicle was set ablaze as claimed in the report.”
It says the alleged perpetrator if caught will face the wrath of the law.
“The NA remains professional and will never condone any act of misconduct by troops against the very people they are deployed to protect.
“The Army wish to state clearly that, the alleged perpetrator once identified will be subjected to a thorough investigation and if found wanting, will be made to face the full wrath of the law in accordance with extant provisions.”
