The Nigeria Police Force’s Zone 12 Command announced on Monday that the officer who reportedly shot at a former Ningi Local Government Council chairman had been arrested.
SP Zone 12 Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Thomas Goni, who has his headquarters in Bauchi, verified the occurrence and promised a comprehensive and unbiased inquiry.
“The officer involved has been identified and will face disciplinary action in line with the Force guidelines.
“We understand that this incident has generated a lot of tension and concern within the community.
“We want to assure the public that we are taking this matter very seriously,” he said.
Goni went on to say that the police would examine its training programs and procedures to make sure that officers had the abilities and information needed to deal with situations in a courteous and respectful manner.
The incident happened on Sunday night at 9:30 p.m. in the Wunti Market neighbourhood of Bauchi, according to former council chairman Alhaji Danlami Alhassan, who recounted his experience to reporters in the city.
“The officer’s identity was revealed after a bag fell from his motorcycle, containing his police ID card, teargas canisters, and other police equipment.
“I was injured and was rushed to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, where I received treatment and was later discharged,” he said.
According to the former LG chairman, the incident happened as he was en route to purchase suya (roasted beef.)
“I refused to stop because I didn’t know who he was and why he wanted me to stop.
“When I got to where people were, I stopped, and he crossed my car.
“As I opened the door to come out, before I knew what was happening, he shot from the other direction, and I felt something hit me on the head while blood gushed out,” Alhassan said.