In a tragic incident, three individuals lost their lives while several others were injured when a Nigerian Army patrol vehicle collided with a Keke Napep rider in the bustling Garin Alkali market area, in Gashua, Bade Local Government Area of the state.
According to eyewitness Adamu Hassan, the incident occurred on a Sunday afternoon, sending shockwaves through the community.
Following the collision, members of the Keke Napep riders’ association swiftly organized protests, blocking key roads leading to Gashua.
However, tensions escalated when the Army personnel, reportedly agitated by the protests, resorted to indiscriminate shooting, resulting in additional injuries among the demonstrators.
The wounded were promptly rushed to the Specialist Hospital in Gashua for urgent medical attention, as recounted by a source from the medical facility who stated that numerous casualties, including fatalities, were admitted, although an exact tally remained elusive.
Chairman Ibrahim Babagana of the Bade Local Government Area confirmed the grim toll of the clash, revealing that three individuals had tragically succumbed to their injuries, while others endured varying degrees of harm in the ensuing violence between the Keke Napep riders and the Army.
Despite the gravity of the situation, efforts were underway by local authorities, including Babagana and the emir of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman, to defuse tensions and restore calm to the troubled locality.
“You may be aware that the clash is between Keke Napep riders and the Army. As I am talking to you, three persons have been confirmed dead while others sustained injuries. I and the emir of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman are doing all we could to calm the situation for now,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Commander of Sector 2, Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, had yet to state the incident at the time of reporting.
The town of Gashua, where the tragedy unfolded, stands approximately 187 kilometers distant from the state capital, Damaturu, underscoring the wide-reaching impact of the distressing events.
