The special task force (STF), Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) in Plateau, says the killing of Rinji Bala, a 300-level student of the University of Jos (UN
The special task force (STF), Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) in Plateau, says the killing of Rinji Bala, a 300-level student of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), by one of its soldiers was a mistake as the 20 year old victim was mistaken for an escaping suspect, NAN is reporting.
Ibrahim Shittu, media officer of OPSH said that personnel of the task force responded to a distress call on activities of cultists and armed robbers around the area, leading to the arrest of seven suspects. The OPSH spokesman explained that Bala was among those arrested and taken to the OPSH office along Zaria Road, Jos.
He added that they were, however, released after checks showed they were not connected to the robbery activities. But on their way out of the OPSH’s premises, the soldier, who mistook them for escaping suspects had opened fire on them, killing Bala in the process.
The media officer said a thorough investigation had commenced to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident, adding that the personnel involved has been arrested and detained. He explained that a delegation from OPSH have visited the family of the deceased and commiserated with them while promising to ensure the deceased get justice.
Peter Bala, father of the deceased said that he got to the office of the soldiers shortly after the incident, adding that the sector commander told him that the kids were found innocent after investigation and were released.
“When I got wind that my son along others were arrested, I quickly rushed to the military base at Zaria road. The Sector Commander told me the boys were found innocent and have been released. But I saw a corpse at the entrance of the military base but didn’t know it was my son; and they never told me until I met his fellow detainee while driving home,” he said.
