A former chairman of Ningi local government in Bauchi State, Danlami Alhassan, was allegedly attacked and shot by a police officer attached to the 12th Zonal Headquarters of the Nigeria Police, Bauchi.
The incident occurred near the under-construction flyover at the Wunti area in Bauchi City.
Alhassan recounted that he was accosted by a motorcyclist, later identified as a police officer, who tried to stop him without justification.
He added that he failed to comply because he did not know the motorcyclist and the officer fired a shot, hitting him on the head with a teargas canister, causing significant injuries and setting the interior of his car ablaze.
Alhassan narrated that the police officer initially waved at him to stop, but he drove on, fearing for his safety. When he eventually slowed down in a more populated area, the police officer blocked his car and shot at him, causing blood to gush from his head. Nearby residents recognized Alhassan, helped extinguish the fire in his car.
In his haste, the police personnel dropped a bag containing items later identified as belonging to a police officer, including a cold-weather jacket, teargas canisters, and an ID card. The evidence was taken to the GRA Police Station Bauchi.
Following the incident, Alhassan was treated at the Teaching Hospital and discharged after stabilization. He expressed frustration and called on the police authorities to investigate the unprovoked attack and ensure justice was served.
He said his vehicle, with its interior completely burnt, remains at the police station as evidence. Alhassan stressed that he did not know the reason for the attack and sought a thorough probe to hold the perpetrator accountable.
The zonal police public relations officer (ZPPRO), Thomas Goni, confirmed the incident and assured the public that the matter was being handled seriously.
He acknowledged that the incident had raised concerns within the community and promised a thorough and impartial investigation. He also confirmed that the officer involved had been identified and would face disciplinary action according to police guidelines.
Goni further stated that the Nigeria Police Force is committed to upholding its standards and values, emphasizing the need for accountability.
He assured the public of ongoing efforts to review police training programmes and protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This commitment, he said, aims to ensure officers handle situations professionally, respectfully, and in line with the expectations of the community they serve.
