Reckless Driving: 1 Dies As Soldiers Open Fire On Policemen At Military Checkpoint

Reckless Driving:  1 Dies As Soldiers Open Fire On Policemen At Military Checkpoint 

By Blogger

A police officer has been shot dead while three of his colleagues were injured by bullets as soldiers at a military checkpoint along Bauchi-Jos road opened fire at a speeding bus that refused to stop at a military checkpoints, officials said.

The police officers, according to witnesses, were in mufti while driving a private bus which attempted to speed through the military checkpoint sparking off suspicions of soldiers on duty who mistaken them for suspected criminals. 

The soldiers opened fire on the bus which skid off the road resulting in the death of a police officer and injuring three others who were all discovered to be security personnel going for promotion interview in Kaduna state. 

Conforming the incident in a statement issued by spokesman at the Headquarters 33 Artillery Brigade, Major Joseph Adekunle Afolasade, Assistant Director Army Public Relations, said the incident occurred 28th May 2016 at about 2:14pm,. 

He said "the troops deployed at Panshanu check-point along Bauchi-Jos road opened fire on a bus that drove dangerously through the checkpoint and refused to stop when flagged down on suspicion that it might be conveying terrorists or armed criminal elements, while approaching the check point. 

"Regrettably, one person died and 3 others sustained injuries in the process. Preliminary investigation confirmed  the identity of the occupants to be policemen who were in mufti coming from Taraba State to Kaduna for an interview. 

"The Brigade urges all motorists irrespective of status to always obey the stop sign at all the check points to avoid reoccurrence of this unfortunate incident. 

Major Afolashade added that he general public is also requested to note that the current situation in the country especially with the on going operation in North East to clear the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists from their hideout, there is the need to ensure no escaping terrorists or weapons are allowed to infiltrate other parts of the country.

"This is sufficient cause for all to abide by the rules at check points in the interest of all. The cooperation of the entire populace is necessary in the fight against insurgency and criminality.

"The  Brigade wish to bring to notice of the general public that the situation has been brought under control and the road had since been opened to motorists", he said.