Protest in Yobe over alleged killing of truck driver by soldier

Riot broke out in Yobe on Saturday as aggrieved youths took to the streets of Gashua, headquarters of Bade Local Government Area of the state, protesting the alleged killing of a truck driver by a soldier.

The protesters lit up bonfires and headed for Gashua Police Division.

An eye witness said a truck driver identified as Mohammed Gashua was shot dead while trying to avoid a filling station after seeing military trucks and some officers riding on motorbikes.

He said the motorists were scared by the movement of soldiers and they attempted to run but the officers warned that they would fire shots at anyone who moved.

He said the driver, who could not withstand the sight of the soldiers, started running, and he was shot dead by one of the soldiers.

A family source said the deceased had been buried in accordance with Islamic rites.

Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, has reacted to the development.

The governor in statement by his spokesman, Mamman Mohammed, called on the youths of Gashua to be calm following the reported shooting of the driver by security operative in Garin Alkali.

According to him, Buni has directed an immediate investigation into the matter for necessary action.

“He described the incident as unfortunate, especially now that we are recording progress in sustainable peace across the state,” it stated.

The statement quoted the governor as saying, “Government and the security authorities would not tolerate any act of recklessness capable of disrupting our hard earned peace. I therefore assure you that government would properly investigate the matter and deal with it decisively.

“I also appeal to our good people of Bade Local Government Area and the entire state to remain calm and law abiding.

“We should avoid anything detrimental to our peace. You are advised to be good Muslims and take it as the will of Allah and avoid bonfire on the roads.”