Three individuals lost their lives, and several others sustained injuries when a Nigerian Army patrol vehicle collided with a Keke Napep rider, resulting in injuries to the driver and passengers.
According to an eyewitness, Adamu Hassan, the incident occurred on Sunday afternoon at the renowned Garin Alkali market in Gashua, the administrative headquarters of the Bade Local Government Area of the state.
“After the incident happened, the association of the Keke Napep riders mobilised and staged protests in some locations blocking the main road leading to Gashua, the headquarters of Bade local government area.
“The Army personnel who became furious returned and started shooting sporadically, unfortunately some protesters were injured and later evacuated to Specialist Hospital, Gashua for medical attention” he said.
Another informant from the Specialists Hospital Gashua indicated that numerous casualties, including deceased individuals, were admitted to the hospital, although the precise count was not provided.
Upon inquiry, Ibrahim Babagana, the Chairman of Bade Local Government Area, informed our correspondent that three individuals had been confirmed deceased, while others had sustained varying injuries during the altercation. He assured that efforts were being made to de-escalate the situation.
“You may be aware that the clash is between Keke Napep riders and the Army. As I am talking to you, three persons have been confirmed dead while others sustained injuries. I and the emir of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman are doing all we could to calm the situation for now,” he said.
At the time of submitting this report, the Commander of Sector 2, Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, had not issued a statement.
Gashua is situated 187 kilometers from the state capital, Damaturu.