Three persons were killed and many others injured in a clash between soldiers and policemen in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe state on Wednesday.

It was not clear as at the time of filing this report what led to the clash but normalcy has since returned to the city.

It was gathered that most of the people, including security personnel and civilians, who were injured in the incident, are currently being treated at the accident and emergency ward of the Specialist Hospital in Damaturu.

Also, bodies of the three persons that lost their lives in the clash were deposited at the hospital morgue. However, neither the army nor the police confirmed the number of casualty.

Residents told journalists that they heard sounds of heavy gunfire as if the city was under enemy attack.

Banks, government offices and private businesses were said to have hurriedly closed up because of the clash.

Reports also say a police squadron commander was whisked away to an unknown destination by some soldiers.

Meanwhile a security meeting was held at the Government House Damaturu after the ugly incident.

The meeting was chaired by the state deputy governor Abubakar Aliyu and was attended by representatives of the army, the police and the Department of State Service, DSS.

Speaking to newsmen after the meeting, Commander of the 27 Task Force Brigade, Buniyadi, Aminu Bande said a committee has been set up to investigate the matter and ensure justice is done.

He said: “The cause of the clash for now is not the issue because it will affect the work of the investigation team.

“The committee will ensure that any officer found guilty for this clash will be seriously dealt with.”

Similarly, the Yobe State Police commissioner, Sumonu Abdulmaliki, said that the issue has been resolved, “but investigation panel has started its work and I can assure you we have made progress on the resolution of the crisis.”

He added that the panel will work to ensure “that issues like this are averted in the future.”

Abdulmaliki called on the residents of Damaturu to go about their normal business and to also have confidence in the security forces, stressing that Wednesday’s incident presents an opportunity for all security agencies in the state to synergise and emerge stronger in the fight against the common enemy, the Boko Haram.

On the alleged abduction of the Police squadron commander, Abdulmalik said the officer, Dauda Fika, has been released and currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

“I can confirm to you that the squadron commander of the mopol 41 base in Damaturu who was earlier abducted by some group of persons in military uniform has been released and is currently being examined in a hospital within Damaturu metropolis,” he said.

Wednesday’s clash between the army and the Police has brought renewed tensions in Damaturu which has enjoyed over two years of relative peace since the counter-insurgency campaign regained steam.