A sad atmosphere pervaded Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State, when a woman was allegedly shot dead by Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) members during an Eid prayer gathering.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, sparked considerable outrage and violent protests, raising tensions in the neighborhood.
According to eyewitnesses, the NSCDC police were pursuing suspected hoodlums armed with hazardous weapons when they fired indiscriminately, accidentally striking the victim.
The woman’s death in the chaos sparked an immediate public uproar and an impromptu protest.
According to Channels TV, in an outburst of collective sadness and rage, local villagers set fire to an NSCDC vehicle, expressing their deep disgust with the security forces’ actions.
The Nigerian Police in Zamfara State, through spokesperson ASP Yazid Abubakar, verified the incident and arrested two NSCDC officers engaged in the terrible event.
He stated in a telephone conversation with the platform that the police are undertaking a comprehensive investigation to determine the facts behind the shooting.
This terrible episode highlights the delicate connection between security forces and civilians in areas of turmoil, emphasizing the critical need for responsibility and restraint in law enforcement operations.
As the inquiry continues, Gusau citizens are appealing for justice and actions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“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 investing the incident.”
When contacted, Ikor Oche, the Spokesperson for the NSCDC in Zamfara State, denied that Civil Defence members shot the victim.
He stated that the Corps troops were at their stationed post, tracking the movements of the Muslims who had come out to celebrate the Eid prayer, when they heard the gunshot.
According to him, they responded to the location and discovered a woman who had been fatally injured.
“Our soldiers were stationed at the center roundabout, near UBA Bank, when they heard a gunshot from the opposite side, surrounding Zenith Bank. They went to the location and discovered a woman with a gunshot wound.
“Because they were the closest to the situation, the mob descended on them. They had to flee for their lives and abandon their Hilux car. The mob set fire to the car, injuring perhaps seven of our men. “They did not shoot or kill anyone.”
Oche stated that the state command of the NSCDC has also begun an investigation to determine the reason of the occurrence.
Meanwhile, Nigerian police officers dispersed the mob that was vandalizing the previously burned Civil Defence vehicle, and normalcy has returned to the area.
