Nigerian Army authorities say its Special Task Force Operative that shot and killed Mr. Rinji Peter Bala, a University undergraduate on Tuesday in Jos has been detained, Masarakim Blog reports.
Bala, 20, was arrested following a distress call but was released before being shot by an operative on sentry duty, said Major Ibrahim Shittu, Media Officer, Operation Safe Haven, Jos.
Shittu in a press statement on Wednesday said, “At about 10pm on 12 May 2020, information was received on the activities of suspected armed robbers and cultists operating around No. 18th Street, Jos South LGA of Plateau State.
“The report revealed that the criminals took advantage of the lockdown and curfew to perpetrate crimes.
“Consequently, Sector 1 patrol troops of OPSH swiftly responded and arrested 7 suspects, which were immediately moved to the Headquarters Sector 1 for preliminary investigation.
“Thereafter, 5 out of the 7 suspects were cleared and asked to leave the premises.
“Unfortunately as they were leaving the premises, one of the personnel on sentry duty mistook them for escaping suspects. Thus, he opened fire on them, leading to the death of Mr. Rinji Bala.”
“Operation Safe Haven regrets the unfortunate death of a civilian by name Mr Rinji Peter Bala by its personnel,” says the Army spokesperson.
“Thorough investigation”, Shittu said is ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident, assuring that justice will be served.
A representative of OPSH has in the meanwhile visited the family of the deceased to commiserate with them, Shittu said.
