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Taraba Killing: Board of Inquiry Recommends Further Investigation of Nigerian Army and Police Personnels, Wadume also
The seven members BOI led by Rear Admiral Ibikunle Taiwo Olaiya instituted to investigate the circumstances leading to the fracas that erupted in Taraba State that led to the killing of three police personnels and two civilians has recommended for the further investigation and possible prosecution of certain army and police personnels for their roles in the ugly incident.
The members of the Committee comprised one representative each from the Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Nigerian
Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Defence Intelligence Agency, Nigeria Police and
Department of State Service made some far reaching recommendations among which are:
that, there were infractions and poor communication between personnel of the NPF and troops of the NA. It was also observed that there was non-adherence to the Standard Operating Procedure by both parties involved in the incident. It
further made some recommendations to the NA and NPF to forestall future
reoccurrence and bring anyone culpable to book in accordance with extant
laws.
The BOI also recommended that the NA and NPF should further investigate Captain Tijani Balarabe, Sergeant Ibrahim Mohammed, Corporal
Bartholomew Obanye, DCO Ibi Police Division, Assistant Superintendent of Police Aondoona Iorbee, and Inspector Aliyu Dadje for complacency and
necessary disciplinary measures. It was also recommended that further
investigation be conducted on Hamisu Bala for gun running and possible
kidnapping, in order to prosecute the suspect.
It will be recalled that on 6 August 2019, reports of the sad killing of 3
police men and 2 civilians in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State by
troops of the NA broke out. This gave rise to serious concern by the Federal
government, the military and police high command. The incident started from
Ibi town, following an alarm alleging the kidnap of one Alhaji Hamisu Bala
(aka Wadume) by some individuals in a Hummer bus.
Captain Tijani informed all military checkpoints along Ibi-Wukari Road, who sprang into
action. The alleged Hummer bus mentioned in the distress call however
conveyed Police personnel of the IGP-IRT who were on a legitimate duty in
Taraba State. Also, military checkpoints in the area were deployed by troops
of Headquarters 93 Battalion, Takum, who were equally on legitimate duty to
checkmate communal clashes, kidnapping and armed robbery, which were
prevalent threats in Wukari – Ibi area.
The BOI further recommended that the Services and other security
agencies establish an Interagency Liaison Desk to include senior officers for
timely resolution of future Misdemeanor.
The Defence Headquarters once again assures the public that the Armed
Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies are working in synergy to tackle contemporary security challenges be-deviling the nation.
