By Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
The Randagi Ward community in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State has called on Governor Uba Sani and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to institute a thorough investigation into the July 20, 2026, incident that allegedly claimed three lives and left 10 others injured in Randagi town.
The community made the appeal through the Randagi Development Association during a press conference held in Kaduna.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Mukhtar Shehu Shagari alleged that the incident occurred between 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. on July 20, when a combined security team comprising personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Police Mobile Force, and the Kaduna State Vigilante Service (KADVIS) arrived in the community.
According to him, residents initially did not suspect any unusual development because security personnel frequently operate in Birnin Gwari due to the area’s persistent security challenges.
He alleged that instead of remaining within the town, the security team proceeded to a mining site in Randagi where local labourers were engaged in crushing gold ore.
> “As they reached the mining site where the gold stones were being crushed, they encountered labourers at work and ordered them to disperse. The labourers were surprised because they did not know what was happening,” he said.
Shagari further alleged that the security personnel informed the workers that they had come to evacuate all the processed mining materials.
He said the District Head was informed of the development and subsequently sent his secretary to the site. According to him, the secretary was told that the operation had the authorisation of the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police and that nobody could interfere with it.
The community also questioned the presence of a civilian identified as Awal Dan Haza, whom they alleged was moving around Birnin Gwari under heavy security protection.
“We were surprised. How could a civilian be given such a large security escort? It means that even if he intends to exploit the community, nobody can stop him,” Shagari alleged.
He said that when the District Head later arrived at the scene, his intervention was ignored, prompting him to advise residents to leave the area to avoid casualties.
According to the community, security personnel subsequently evacuated six truckloads of processed gold ore from the mining site.
Following the operation, labourers and residents reportedly mounted a roadblock in Randagi to demand explanations.
“When we blocked the road, they refused to listen to us. Instead, they started firing tear gas,” he alleged.
Shagari further claimed that the situation escalated when a military officer standing on top of an armoured personnel carrier allegedly began firing indiscriminately into the crowd.
“He started shooting without regard for who might be hit. He simply fired randomly,” he said.
The community alleged that three people were killed during the incident, while 10 others sustained serious injuries.
According to the association, the victims were being transported to the Birnin Gwari Local Government Headquarters when the same security convoy allegedly intercepted the vehicles.
> “Instead of asking questions, they started beating those inside the vehicles, including relatives of the victims. They smashed the windows of the two vehicles and shot all the tyres,” he alleged.
Shagari also claimed that the ward councillor, Hon. Ikira Arkani, who was among those in one of the vehicles, lost his mobile phone, which he alleged was taken by Awal Dan Haza.
He further alleged that N450,000 meant for the treatment of the injured and another N40,000 belonging to one of the drivers were missing after the incident.
He also claimed that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) was forced to remove his uniform and flee into the bush.
The community further alleged that security personnel instructed victims to alter their statements and implicate one Abubakar Mohori, whom they maintained was not in Randagi at the time of the incident.
“They warned the victims that anyone who told security agencies or the local government the truth about what happened would face serious consequences,” he alleged.
Despite the incident, the community commended Governor Uba Sani for his prompt intervention and willingness to address their grievances.
> “We thank the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, for listening to our complaints. He met with us, heard our concerns, and assured us that there would be a thorough investigation into the incident,” the community representative said.
He described the governor as a peacebuilder whose intervention had reassured the people of Birnin Gwari.
> “Your Excellency has demonstrated that you are committed to justice and peace. The people of Randagi sincerely appreciate your intervention. Without it, we do not know how this matter would have ended,” he added.
The community called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff, the Commander of KADVIS, and relevant civil society organisations to collaborate in ensuring a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into the incident, while urging that anyone found culpable be brought to justice.
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