The Bauchi State Police Command has launched a full-scale homicide investigation following the shocking killing of a police officer by members of the military during a routine patrol in the Bayan Gari area of Bauchi metropolis.
Spokesperson of Bauchi Police Command, CSP Ahmed Wakil, confirmed the development to reporters on Saturday in a statement.
He said the incident occurred when a patrol team led by Inspector Hussaini Samaila encountered an assault on one of its personnel, Constable Ukasha Muhammed, with service number F/No 533164, in front of Padimo Hotel.
He said two individuals reportedly attacked the officer. The patrol team intervened immediately, apprehending one suspect while the second fled the scene.
Wakil said the arrested suspect later identified as Private Usman Mubarak with service number 23NA/84/5346), a soldier attached to the Special Task Force (STF) Operation Safe Haven in Jos, Plateau State.
He added that other suspects arrested included Private Yakubu Yahuza with service number 23NA/85/10185 and Private Godspower Gabriel with service number 23NA/84/5654— who arrived at the scene, partially dressed in military uniforms and armed with rifles.
“Without warning, they allegedly opened fire on the patrol team and shot Constable Ukasha Muhammed in the left chest before escaping,” he added.
Wakil said the wounded police officer was rushed to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, but was tragically pronounced dead by medical personnel.
He explained that his remains have been deposited at the mortuary, and the two soldiers believed to be responsible, Private Yahuza and Private Gabriel, have since been arrested and are currently in police custody.
It would be recalled that about two months ago, a soldier shot dead a police personnel attached to Bauchi Command in Alkaleri.
