Gunshots rock Borno govt house as soldiers, police clash over bags of rice

There was commotion at the Borno state government house on Thursday as soldiers and policemen exchanged gunfire over food items meant for internally displaced persons (IDPs).

A DSS official, who witnessed the incident, described the conduct of the security personnel as shameful.

“This is to say the least shameful. As I speak to you now, I am still in shock. Common bags of rice,” he told TheCable

There has been an influx to the deputy governor quarters since Monday when the distribution of food items began.

Many IDPs have reportedly relocated to Maiduguri, the state capital, with the hope of benefitting from the handouts.

However, trouble broke out on Thursday after the security personnel deployed to maintain orderliness became suspicious of themselves.

The police team, which resolved to restrict vehicles from accessing venue of the distribution in order to avoid rowdiness, encountered difficulty when an army van arrived.

Suspecting that the military men had an ulterior motive, the policemen refused to allow the vehicle go in. The soldiers were said to have resorted to violence after realising that the policemen would not shift grounds.

An exchange of gunfire followed suit, and teargas canisters were released, forcing the IDPS to flee.

A mobile policeman was said to have been shot on the leg, while many IDPs sustained injuries.

The arrival of Lucky Irabor, theater commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, doused tension.

S.B Kumapaiye, commander, 7 division garrison, Maiduguri, and Aminchi Samaila Baraya, Borno state police commissioner of police, later issued a statement, saying that the issue would be investigated.

“The Nigerian army and the Nigeria police force in Maiduguri jointly condemn this unfortunate incident which was quickly brought under full control within minutes,” the statement read.

“The army and the police are jointly investigating the cause of the fracas with a view to ensuring that anyone found culpable amongst the security men are made to face disciplinary measures in line with laid down rules of the Nigerian armed forces. Findings and measures taken will be brought to public knowledge as soon as possible.”