There was tension in Zamfara State, on Wednesday, when a worshiper was mistakenly killed by a security operative who was reportedly chasing hoodlums.
The operative, who is said to be of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), was immediately attacked by irate youths.
The incident, which happened during Eid prayer in Gusau, capital of the state, sparked outrage and escalated tensions in the area.
Channels TV reported that in a burst of collective grief and anger, local residents expressed their dismay by setting an NSCDC vehicle on fire.
The Nigerian Police in Zamfara State, through its spokesperson ASP Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the incident.
Abubakar said two NSCDC personnel involved in the tragic event had been arrested.
Speaking via a telephone interview, he said the police were conducting a thorough investigation to ascertain the circumstances leading to the shooting.
“We have two of them in our custody as we speak now, they are the ones that shot the gun, though the command is still investigating the incident,” he said.
But spokesperson of the NSCDC in Zamfara, Ikor Oche, denied the allegation that the men of the Civil Defence shot the victim.
He said the personnel of the Corps were at their stationed post, observing the movements of the Muslims faithful who were out to observe the Eid prayer when they heard the gunshot.
“Our men were stationed at the central roundabout, close to UBA Bank, they heard a gunshot from the other side around Zenith Bank. They moved to the area and found a woman with gunshot injury.
“Because they were the ones close to the scene, mob descended on them. They had to run for their safety and abandoned their Hilux vehicle. The vehicle was set ablaze by the mob and about seven of our men were injured. They did not shoot or kill anybody.”
Oche said the state command of NSCDC has also launched an investigation to unravel the cause of the incident.
