Peace has returned to Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) following a violent clash on Friday, which resulted in the death of one person due to an alleged accidental discharge by a police officer.
A correspondent from the News Agency of Nigeria who visited the area on Saturday observed that residents had resumed their daily activities. Some locals recounted that the unrest began around 7 p.m. near the Tipper Garage area after an argument broke out between two men.
According to an eyewitness, Mr. Bulus Ayuba, the dispute started when the two individuals exited a supermarket in the neighborhood. As tensions escalated, a police officer stationed at the supermarket intervened to defuse the situation. However, despite his efforts, the argument continued, drawing a growing crowd.
“As the gathering became overwhelming and the officer struggled to control the situation, he attempted to fire a warning shot into the air to disperse the crowd,” Ayuba explained. “Unfortunately, someone in the crowd made contact with the officer’s firearm, causing an unintended discharge that struck a bystander in the head.”
Another eyewitness, Mr. Philip Adeyeye, recounted that shortly after the victim was taken away, the scene turned chaotic as enraged youths launched protests. In the heat of the moment, an unattended vehicle parked near the supermarket was set ablaze.
Security forces, including military personnel and additional police reinforcements, were swiftly deployed to restore order in the area.
Confirming the incident, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, stated that the officer responsible for the shooting had been taken into custody. He assured that a thorough investigation was underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
For more updates, join our WhatsApp channel: Click Here.