The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, on Monday reacted to a report by this newspaper about an incident leading to the killing of two people by the NAF soldiers in Mabera area of Sokoto metropolis.
DAILY NIGERIAN had reported that soldiers from the Nigerian Air Force stormed the area when a lady, said to be the girlfriend of an officer, was taunted by youths in the neighborhood.
Provoked by the youths’ behaviour, the lady reported the matter to her officer boyfriend, who deployed a truckload of air craftsmen to deal with the culprits.
DAILY NIGERIAN gathered the soldiers trailed a student, Abdulsalam Lawan, who fled the siege to a nearby house, killing him and a 40-year-old mother of seven, Maryam Abdulrahman.
“They often come and brutalise us in this area. We were at a tea joint when they came last night around 8:30pm. They started by shooting sporadically and then asked the soldier’s girlfriend to point at those who taunted her.
“When she failed to identify the real culprits, they meted out frog jump punishment on us. Those who ran away were shot.
“At least five people sustained gunshot injuries while two people died,” a witness Sani Mabera told DAILY NIGERIAN.
However, in their reaction through the Director of Public Relations and Information, Ibikunle Daramola, disclosed that, “NAF is investigating the matter with a view to ascertaining the facts as well as establishing the degree of involvement of its personnel”.
Mr Daramola, an air-commodore, said: “An online report by dailynigerian.com has alleged the unfortunate killing of 2 persons at Mabera Area of Sokoto Metropolis yesterday, 20 October 2019, as a result of a fracas between Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel and suspected Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) youths within the Community.
“However, details regarding the unfortunate incident, which also led to some NAF personnel sustaining serious injuries, are still sketchy.
“Consequently, the NAF is investigating the matter with a view to ascertaining the facts as well as establishing the degree of involvement of its personnel.
“It is pertinent to reiterate that the NAF is a highly disciplined and professional force that does not tolerate or condone acts of indiscipline or violations of human rights of citizens.
“Therefore, every NAF personnel found guilty of misdemeanor, in the past, had always been dealt with in accordance extant laws and the general public duly informed.
“We wish to assure the general public that, in line with the NAF’s usual practice, this case will be investigated thoroughly and appropriate action taken,” the statement noted.
Mr Daramola, therefore, promised that the public would be kept informed on the outcome of the investigation.
