Follow Us on Google
From Gyang Bere, Jos
The Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) also known as Special Task Force (STF) said its troop were not responsible for the killing of a female protester at Gon Gora, Bafai Gora and Sagwaza villages of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna state.
The Command in a press statement signed by the Media officer, Major Ibrahim Shittu said it was a stray bullet from the youths that hit the woman when youth from the community engaged their troop on a shooting spray.
He noted that an elderly man was also inflicted with gunshots injuries on his hand.
“Relatedly, on 23 March 2021, at about 0545pm, troops of OPSH deployed at Gun Gora received a distress call of a violent protests by women and youths of Gon Gora, Bafai Gora and Sagwaza villages in Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State. The violent protest was believed to be sponsored by some aggrieved elites of Zagon Kataf.
“Troops swiftly mobilized to the scene in order to restore normalcy to the area. Troops on arrival at the scene of the incident were however encountered by some youths in the midst of the female protesters firing and pelting dangerous object at the troops.
” In the ensuing pandemonium, one of the female protesters in close contact with troops was hit by a stray bullet from the youths, while an elderly man sustained a gunshot injury on his right hand.”
He said the youths barricaded the entry and exit routes and were reinforcing against the troops and demanded for the withdrawal of troops from the Gon Gora community.
“Consequently, troops of OPSH have apprehended 8 suspects involved in the violent protest and recovered one locally fabricated assault rifle and 3 cartridges from the suspects.
“The arrested suspects are currently in OPSH custody undergoing preliminary investigation. Also, the injured person is receiving treatment at Saint Louis Hospital Zonkwa, while corpse of the deceased has been deposited at the General Hospital morgue Zonkwa.”
He said normalcy has returned to the area and troops are maintaining vigilance to forestall any further breakdown of law and order.
“OPSH wishes to state that its operations is conducted with strict adherence to rules of engagement, code of conduct and respect for the fundamental human rights.
“Therefore, use this opportunity to warn mischief makers to desist from fomenting troubles and violence in the Southern Kaduna and across its Joint Operational Areas, thereby soliciting for public support in discharging its mandate.”
