By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
The Yobe state Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni has called for a more harmonious military/civilian relationship in Gashua to promote peace in the area.
In a statement issued by Buni’s DG Press, Mamman Mohammed said Governor Buni gave the directive following the misunderstanding between the two parties.
He described as unfortunate that such incidence is happening at a time when the state is enjoying relative peace across the state.
Gov. Buni observed with dismay the reoccurring incidence in Gashua saying, the state government would meet with the Military authorities to bring a permanent solution to such threats to the relationship.
“It is sad and regrettable that lives are lost in an avoidable circumstance.
“We should always be united to fight our common enemy and not to be adversaries against ourselves.” The governor cautioned.
He noted that the military and the residents have responsibilities to one another to achieve collective success.
The governor prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased persons and condoled with their families.
He directed free treatment to those who sustained injuries in the accident and admitted in the Specialist Hospital, Gashua.
Meanwhile, Senator Ahmad Lawan, who represents Yobe North, has called on military authorities to immediately investigate the killing of three innocent civilians by soldiers in Gashu’a.
He added that, “It was reported on Sunday that soldiers fired indiscriminately into groups of protesters who were approaching their stop-and-search checking point near Gashua bridge to protest the alleged killing of a tricycle operator by the soldiers in Gashu’a.
“Reports indicate that a total of three (3) civilians were killed while 12 people were taken to Federal Medical Centre Nguru, for treatment over injuries sustained from the attack by the soldiers.” He emphasized.
The former Senate President, in a statement he personally signed, on Sunday, demanded a swift investigation by the military into the tragic incident.
Sen. Lawan, who currently chairs the Senate Committee on Defence, said that efforts must be made by the Nigerian Army to ensure that the perpetrators behind the acts of violence are held accountable and responsible for their actions.
He has also already taken full responsibility for the treatment of all those who were injured.
