The Nigerian military on Tuesday
released the report of an inquiry into the killing of policemen and civilians
in Taraba state in August.
The report was released to the
media by Col Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Defence Information.
Soldiers of the 93 Battalion had
shot dead 3 IRT operatives – Inspector Mark Ediale, Sergeant Usman Danzumi and
Sergeant Dahiru Musa.
The Army claimed they were shot
after being mistaken for “suspected kidnappers”.
It read: “The 7 member BOI led by
Rear Admiral Ibikunle Taiwo Olaiya as chairman, comprised one representative
each from the Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air
Force, Defence Intelligence Agency, Nigeria Police and Department of State
Service.
“You will recall that on 6 August
2019, reports of the sad killing of 3 police men and 2 civilians in Ibi Local
Government Area of Taraba State by troops of the NA broke out. This gave rise
to serious concern by the Federal government, the military and police high
command.
“The incident started from Ibi
town, following an alarm alleging the kidnap of one Alhaji Hamisu Bala (aka
Wadume) by some individuals in a Hummer bus. Captain Tijani Balarabe informed
all military checkpoints along Ibi-Wukari Road, who sprang into action.
“The alleged Hummer bus mentioned
in the distress call, however, conveyed Police personnel of the IGP-IRT who
were on a legitimate duty in Taraba State.
“Also, military checkpoints in
the area were deployed by troops of Headquarters 93 Battalion, Takum, who were
equally on legitimate duty to checkmate communal clashes, kidnapping and armed
robbery, which were prevalent threats in Wukari – Ibi area.
“After a thorough and painstaking
investigation into the incident, the BOI submitted its report to the convening
authority observing that, there were infractions and poor communication between
personnel of the NPF and troops of the NA.
“It was also observed that there
was non-adherence to the Standard Operating Procedure by both parties involved
in the incident. It further made some recommendations to the NA and NPF to
forestall future reoccurrence and bring anyone culpable to book in accordance
with extant laws.
“The BOI also recommended that
the NA and NPF should further investigate Captain Tijani Balarabe, Sergeant
Ibrahim Mohammed, Corporal Bartholomew Obanye, DCO Ibi Police Division,
Assistant Superintendent of Police Aondoona Iorbee, and Inspector Aliyu Dadje
for complacency and necessary disciplinary measures.
“It was also recommended that
further investigation be conducted on Hamisu Bala for gunrunning and possible
kidnapping, in order to prosecute the suspect.
“Additionally, the BOI
recommended that the Services and other security agencies establish an
Interagency Liaison Desk to include senior officers for timely resolution of
future Misdemeanor.”
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