By Joy Yesufu
The Area Commander of the Police Area Command in Gboko, ACP Edmund Afraimu, has confirmed the arrest of a soldier involved in the fatal shooting of a youth at the Dangote Cement Plant in Gboko on Monday.
Although ACP Afraimu noted that it was not within his jurisdiction to issue official statements, he acknowledged giving orders for the soldier’s arrest.
The soldier is currently in custody pending further investigation.
The victim, identified as Aboy Bonny, popularly known as ‘Changes,’ was a well-known youth in the area.
An eyewitness said the incident occurred between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM.
He said he saw soldiers in an open truck pursuing a youth driving a red Toyota Carina while he was on his way to work
According to his account, one of the soldiers opened fire, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and crashed into a nearby farm.
The young man fell out of the driver’s seat and was pronounced dead at the scene.
In response to the shooting, an agitated crowd transported the victim’s body on a Bajaj motorcycle and protested at the Dangote Cement Plant. The protesters smashed the windscreens of several vehicles parked at the entrance and laid the body at the entrance to the administrative block.
The situation escalated until local leaders intervened and called for calm after meeting with the factory management. They urged the protesters to allow the elders to manage the situation peacefully.
In his remarks, Dangote Plant Director Louise Raj stated that the military personnel stationed at the factory site were not answerable to the management and did not follow their instructions or advice.
