The Bauchi State Police Command has launched an investigation into the killing of a Police Constable, Ukasha Muhammed, allegedly shot dead by soldiers during a patrol operation in the Bayan Gari area of Bauchi metropolis.
In a statement yesterday, the command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, said the incident occurred on October 10, when a patrol team led by Inspector Hussaini Samaila came under attack in front of Padimo Hotel.
According to him, one of the patrol members, Constable Ukasha Muhammed (F/No 533164), was assaulted by two individuals.
He added that the remaining members of the police team responded swiftly, resulting in the apprehension of one suspect, while the other escaped from the scene.
The arrested suspect was later identified as Private Usman Mubarak (23NA/84/5346), a soldier attached to the STF Operation Safe Haven in Jos, Plateau State.
CSP Wakil explained that later, two other soldiers, Private Yakubu Yahuza (23NA/85/10185) and Private Godspower Gabriel (23NA/84/5654), both partially dressed in military uniforms and armed with rifles, arrived at the scene and opened fire on the patrol team, fatally shooting Constable Ukasha in the chest before fleeing.
The injured officer was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), where he was later pronounced dead by medical personnel. His remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary.
The command said the two suspects, Privates Yakubu Yahuza and Godspower Gabriel, have been arrested and are currently in police custody.
Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has constituted a team of homicide investigators to conduct a thorough and professional investigation aimed at ensuring justice is served.
He urged all personnel to remain calm and allow due process to take its course, while ordering an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
The commissioner commiserated with the family of the late constable and prayed for the repose of his soul, saying:
