LG chair: How soldier ‘accidentally killed’ couple, baby in Niger

A soldier of the Nigerian army has reportedly shot a man, his wife, and their baby to death in Babanna, a village in Borgu LGA of Niger state.

Confirming the incident to TheCable on Saturday, Suleiman Yerima, chairman of Borgu LGA, said the incident occurred on Monday.

Suleiman said the couple had travelled from Niganji in Benin Republic to trade in Babanna in Borgu LGA.

The couple was said to have been shot by the soldier during an argument while returning to their country.

But the chairman who did not mention the reason behind the soldier’s action said the killing was an accident.

“The news is correct, there is no doubt about it. You know soldiers are in Babanna trying to keep the peace against the Boko Haram people and the bandits,” he said.

“So, the thing was accidental but it really happened. The incident occurred on Monday which was the market day in the town Babanna.

“The family is from the Benin Republic, they come to the market every Monday and buy whatever they want to buy and return to the various places.”

He asked residents of the village to remain calm, adding that the incident is currently being investigated by the Nigerian army.

“The matter is with the chief of army staff and the chief of army staff has dispatched soldiers to the village to make a proper investigation of the case,” he added.

Meanwhile, efforts to reach Onyema Nwachukwu, army spokesperson, for comment were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages.