The Nigerian Army has tendered an apology over the killing of a 300-level student of the University of Jos, Rinji Peter Bala, by its personnel.
Igbere TV had reported the death of the young man who was earlier arrested for alleged robbery amidst COVID-19 lockdown in the state.
In a statement made available to Igbere TV by Ibrahim Shittu, Media Officer, Operation SAFE HAVEN responsible for the death, he attributed the incident to a ‘mistaken identity’.
“At about 10 pm on 12 May 2020, information was received on the activities of suspected armed robbers and cultists operating around No 18th Street, Jos South LGA of Plateau State. The report revealed that the criminals took advantage of the lockdown and curfew to perpetrate crimes. Consequently, Sector 1 patrol troops of OPSH swiftly responded and arrested 7 suspects, which were immediately moved to the Headquarters Sector 1 for preliminary investigation.
“Thereafter, 5 out of the 7 suspects were cleared and asked to leave the premises. Unfortunately, as they were leaving the premises, one of the personnel on sentry duty mistook them for escaping suspects. Thus opened fire on them, which led to the death of Mr Rinji Bala.
“However, a thorough investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident. Meanwhile, the MOPOL personnel involved in the incident has been arrested and detained accordingly.
“Operation SAFE HAVEN has condemned the sad incident. A representative of OPSH has also visited the parents of the deceased to commiserate with them. OPSH also assures the general public of justice,” the statement added.
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