By: Mohammed Kawu, Bauchi
Soldiers on checkpoint duties at Panshanu along Bauchi – Jos road weekend opened fire on a bus that drove dangerously and refused to stop while approaching the checkpoint, military authorities said in Bauchi.
The 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi in a statement signed by its Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Joseph Afolasade, said that a Policeman was killed while three others were injured.
“The Headquarters 33 Artillery Brigade, wish to inform the general public that on 28 May 2016 by 1414 Hours (2:14pm), the troops deployed on check point duties at Panshanu along Bauchi-Jos Road opened fire on a suspect bus that drove dangerously and refused to stopped when flagged down while approaching the check point”, he said.
Joseph Afolasade however expressed regret that one person was confirmed dead and three (3) others sustained injury in the process.
“The identity of occupants of the civilian bus was later known to be policemen who were not in uniform but civil dresses coming from Taraba State to Kaduna for an interview.”
Afolasade advised the general public, no matter who they are, to always obey the stop sign at the checkpoints to avoid a reoccurrence.
This, he said, becomes imperative in view of the efforts of the troops to clear the north east of insurgents and efforts to track down fleeing terrorists who might want to infiltrate other parts of the country.
The Brigade urged all motorists irrespective of status to always obey the stop sign at all the check points to avoid reoccurrence of this ugly incident.
“The general public is also requested to note that with the current situation in the country, especially with the ongoing operation in Northeast to clear the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists from their hideouts, 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,” Army spokesman advised.
The Assistant Director explained that the Brigade had brought the situation under control while the road had since been opened to motorists.
