THE Adamawa state Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, has condemned the Tuesday, November 21 clash between Police officers and military personnel, which resulted in the killing of one inspector in Yola, the state capital.
Fintiri, in a statement by his chief press secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, on Wednesday, November 22, described the gunshots in Yola as regrettable and urged the state residents to go about their lawful activities without fear.
The state Police commissioner, Babatola Afolabi, also condemned the attack, noting that an urgent investigation had been ordered into the incident to ensure justice and peace prevailed.
According to reports, sporadic gunshots were exchanged between the Police and soldiers at the Police headquarters in the state capital around 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21.
The clash between the Army and Police personnel reportedly caused injury to a soldier, while a Police officer identified as Jacob Daniel was killed during the altercation.
Reacting to the incident, the governor said that his government was handling the situation effectively and urged all security agents and residents of the state to remain calm.
He also appealed to all security personnel on special assignment to remain at their duty posts and conduct themselves with a high sense of maturity.
“I am concerned that such acrimony could have lasting consequences on the hard-earned peace we have been able to build over the years.
“I appeal to all security personnel for restraint, mutual respect, and tolerance for one another as people destined to work together in this great state.
“I appeal for patience and understanding as the administration works towards lasting solutions to these conflicts,” the governor said.
In the same vein, the Police commissioner, in a statement by the Police public relations officer, Suleiman Nguroje, a superintendent of Police, on Wednesday, warned that any attacks on security officers in the line of duty would no longer be tolerated.
While emphasizing the sanctity of all security personnel’s lives, Afolabi assured the public that such a conflict would be rigorously addressed according to existing laws.
He further reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property. He called for collaboration with other security agencies to uphold the fundamental rights of security operatives, allowing them to effectively discharge their duty of serving and protecting citizens.
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: [email protected]. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M