Revelation emerged Friday afternoon
regarding the incident at Apo legislative
quarters, Abuja where 7 people were killed.
DailyPost had learnt that men of the SSS
had mobilized some military men to an
uncompleted building to excavate some
weapons purportedly buried by some Boko
Haram militants. The action was sequel to
security details gathered from two Boko
Haram suspects currently in detention.
However, an officer of the SSS who pleaded
anonymity had disclosed that about a week
ago, men of the SSS stormed the
uncompleted building, warning the
occupants to vacate the place based on
government’s directive, but the people
remained adamant, demanding for a
perfect explanation on why they were asked
to leave.
He added that “when men of the SSS were
accompanied to the building around 12am
this morning, the people were all ordered
out of the building. For security reason,
they were all asked to sit on the ground
pending when the excavation work was
completed. However, while work was still
ongoing, some men believed to be Boko
Haram suspects fired at the security team.
The soldiers in turn responded. While the
fire exchange was on, those who tried to
escape from the scene were gunned down
by either bullets from the security men or
the Boko Haram militants.” He had
disclosed
Another James Ogile who also lived in the
uncompleted building had told our
reporter that those who lost their lives
were actually killed by the military, as they
only heard few shots from those the SSS
claimed were Boko Haram only fired few
shots at them ” the truth is that the Army
and the SSS thought we were Boko Haram
informants, so after they fired at them, they
started shooting indiscriminately, and
those who attempted to escape from the
scene were all gunned down. They should
have faced those whom they claimed
attacked them and not innocent people like
us. We did not attack them; we did not even
resist their order. We were very peaceful
when they ordered us out of the building.
Why should anyone kill poor, innocent and
harmless squatters like us? We do
labourers work here with no evil intention.
Others who spoke with our
correspondent equally confirmed
that the men were just squatting in the
building. ‘’ This is getting out of hands. How
can anyone open fire on innocent people
whom we all know, and claimed they were
Boko Haram members. I know those guys.
They are very responsible people who have
been engaged in legitimate businesses. Do
you think they would have preferred to live
in an uncompleted building if they could
afford an accommodation? If they were
Boko Haram members, would they have
come to live in an uncompleted building? I
doubt if the SSS are being sincere here. I’m
not even sure they came for any
excavation. In fact, anything goes in this
country.’’ One Samson had told our
reporter.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Director, Public
Relations Department of State Services,
Marilyn Ogar had yesterday afternoon
issued a press statement, stating her own
version of the incident.
According to her, a combined security team
went for the said operation sequel to
information obtained from two (2) Boko
Haram elements; Kamal Abdullahi and
Mohammed Adamu, who had earlier been
arrested for terrorist activities. The duo,
according to Orga had disclosed to the SSS
that some weapons were buried within the
vicinity of the building. Orga disclosed that
during the operation, some suspected
militants engaged the military men in a gun
duel. She said some people were injured at
the process.
The statement read “In the early hours of
today, 20th September, 2013, about 0030
hours, a combined security team went for
an operation behind the Apo legislative
quarters. The operation was sequel to
information obtained from two (2) Boko
Haram elements Kamal ABDULLAHI and
Mohammed ADAMU, who had earlier been
arrested for terrorist activities. They led the
security team to uncompleted buildings
where arms were purported to have been
buried underground.
“2. No sooner had the team commenced
digging for the arms, than they came under
heavy gunfire attack by other Boko Haram
elements within the area, which prompted
immediate response from the security
team. As a result, some persons were
injured and twelve (12) others have been
arrested in connection with the incident,
and are making useful statements.
“3. Normalcy has returned to the area.
Members of the public are advised to go
about their normal businesses, as
appropriate security measures have been
emplaced to ensure the safety of citizens in
the FCT. We want to reiterate the need for
all Nigerians to be vigilant of their
immediate environment and promptly
report suspicious activities to security
agencies. Our National security must
remain the collective responsibility of all
Nigerians.”
No comments:
Post a Comment