Election: Scores die, others injured as soldiers, police exchange fire in Taraba
Afierce exchange of gunfire on Monday between soldiers and policemen resulted in the death and injuries on both sides.
The incident occured around the INEC office, venue of governorship election results collation centre.
The Nation learnt that a female police officer in mufti, while resuming duty at the INEC office on Monday morning was asked to produce her identity card for recognition.
When she failed to cooperate, the soldiers assaulted her which attracted the police personnel on duty around that axis.
A fracas resulted which led to the two parties exchanging fire, resulting in the instant death of one police personnel.
The clash, which was accompanied by sporadic gunshots and tear gas, led to the shutdown of business premises while people scamper back home for fear of the unexpected.
Initially, the incident was attributed to a post- election violence which was quite anticipated as final collation of results were being awaited. But it turned out different.
A journalist, who was on his way to the collation centre, was caught up in the fracas.
He told The Nation that some party faithful were trying to protest the already announced result which made the security forces act in order to avert a breakdown of law and order.
Several innocent Police operatives were feared dead with several injured in what seemed like a reprisal attack.
Several vehicles were riddled with bullet shots and their tyres punctured as a result.
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Some uniforms were seen with blood stains on them.
Also, police personnel, mostly in mufti, were seen discussing the experience.
A joint team of the Police, army and the Department of State Security (DSS), has confirmed the killing of one police officer and the injury of three other personnel.
In a joint press briefing at the SSS headquarters in Jalingo, the Taraba State Commissioner of Police, Sulaiman Yusuf narrated what happened.
“The Commander 6th Brigade of the Nigerian Army and the Commissioner of Police, Taraba State command, regret the unfortunate incident that occured this morning 20th March,2023 which led to a clash between the personnel of both organizations in Jalingo.
“It was a minor disagreement that led to the escalation of the incident. This incident is a dent in the synergy and mutual trust both the army and the police in Taraba state has enjoyed .
“While assuring the citizens of Taraba State to go about their daily activities, the high command of both organizations have set up a joint investigation team to look into the root cause of the matter with a view to ensuring that erring personnel are brought to book,” the Taraba Commissioner of Police, stated.
He also assured that all efforts are still in place to support the ongoing electoral process and to see to its completion.
However, the ongoing collation of results for the governorship elections have been put on hold. Collation and announcement of results for the remaining six local government areas was supposed to commence by 11 am today but the latest incident may have put it on hold.
