A policeman is reported to have been injured following an
exchange of gunfire between soldiers and the police at the Borno State
Government House in Maiduguri.
The fight was said to have erupted following disagreement over the distribution of foodstuff to Internally Displaced Persons.
The distribution of the food items for Ramadan was moved closer to
the Government House after hoodlums reportedly hijacked the exercise in
the outskirts of Maiduguri.
In a joint statement, signed by Commander, 7 Division Garrison,
Operation Lafiya Dole, Col. S.B Kumapaiye and Commissioner of Police,
Borno State Command, Aminchi Baraya, they explained that they have
commenced an investigation into the matter, promising to make their
findings public knowledge as soon as possible.
“The distribution was meant to take place at 28 wards of the two
local government areas unfortunately, when the exercise was launched in
old Maiduguri ward for Jere local government area and at Shehuri north
ward for Maiduguri on Sunday, hoodlums overpowered the committee in both
instances and made away with many bags of the rice meant for the
displaced persons.
“As a result, officials tasked with the distribution shifted the
exercise to two premises around the office of the Deputy Governor
outside the Government House in order to ensure security of the food
items while beneficiaries were identified and issued with allocation
notes to give them access to the distribution centers.
“The exercise had gone smoothly since Sunday with some wards covered, until the unfortunate development today (Thursday).
“The Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force in Maiduguri jointly
condemn this unfortunate incident which was quickly brought under full
control within minutes.
“The Army and the Police are jointly investigating the cause of the
fracas with a view to ensuring that anyone found culpable amongst the
security men are made to face disciplinary measures in line with laid
down rules of the Nigerian Armed Forces. Findings and measures taken
will be brought to public knowledge as soon as possible.
“The Army and the police operating in Borno assure the general public
that they will continue to collaborate and work together towards their
ongoing counter insurgency and civil security efforts that have led to
the emerging peace in Borno State.
“The Army and the Police commands in Borno State call on all
personnel to exercise restraint in the cause of their duties and should
strive to respect one another and work together to secure innocent
citizens and maintain peace”, the joint statement said.
They also gave the assurance that they will continue to collaborate
towards advancing the ongoing counter insurgency and civil security
efforts that have led to the emerging peace in Borno State.
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PLEASE BE POLITE