By Evelyn Usman
Family of the 32-year-old bureau-de-change operator who was last Tuesday shot dead by an Army Private in Ikeja area of Lagos has accused the Nigerian Army of lying against the deceased by saying his death was as a result of his struggling with the soldier’s weapon.
The bereaved family members who thronged the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, Monday, to give statement to detectives at the Homicide section who are investigating the incident, also accused the Nigerian Army of treating a matter of such magnitude with levity.
Spokesman for the family, Mr Christopher Ogien, who spoke with Vanguard expressed shock over what he described as lackadaisical approach on the part of the accused, saying since the incident, no condolence visit had been paid to them.
Wondering if there could ever be justice for the poor, he called on the Police to state their findings in the course of investigation in order to ascertain the truth.
Army authorities in Lagos had last Thursday explained that investigation into the shooting of the bureau-de-change operator identified as Friday Ogien, revealed that Private Aminu Audu pulled the trigger in self defence.
A senior officer who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “Our men had gone to repair their patrol vehicle and were on their way back when two persons approached them that some people had shortchanged them.
“Two of them went to confirm the claim and effect possible arrest. But on reaching there, a mob gathered and tried to prevent them. In the process, seven persons tried disarming one of the armed soldiers.
“The struggle went on for seven minutes before he pulled the trigger. He shot in self defence,” the officer said.
But describing the claim as a lie, spokesman for the bereaved family said: “Nobody ever made an attempt to disarm the soldier. The Army told a lie. When the woman came with the soldiers, they did not even give my brother an opportunity to explain, they just shot him in the head and he died on the spot.
“All we demand is justice because my brother died leaving three children among whom is a two-month-old baby,” he said.
As much as I do not agree to the Killing of another Man It is also unacceptable the claim that an officer of the Nigerian Army will just pull the trigger without any case of self defense. People we are not talking about the police here ohh. I can accept accidental discharge with the Nigerian Police but with a soldier..haba. But whatever be the case the soldier will never be right to have shot at the Man. I hope the Government takes this case very serious. As for the family I think the dead should bury their dead and keep their children away from dangerous ventures
As much as I do not agree to the Killing of another Man It is also unacceptable the claim that an officer if the Nigerian Army will just pull the trigger without any case of self defense. People we are not talking about the police here ohh. I can accept accidental discharge with the Nigerian Police but with a soldier..haba.
Also, these burea de change operators engage in lots of criminalities, that should be investigated too. In as much as I have argued against military delving into civil matters, I will however not advise that the soldiers should fold their arms and watch while innocent Nigerians are shortchanged of thier hard earned money, by these burea de change operators, especially when the police are not arround to take over the matter. Some of these burea de change operators are criminals, I have encountered them once.
The govt. should set up a commission of enquiry to unravel the circumstances under which the man was killed. As it is now the army authorities has taken a biased stand by alogating to the men the power to delve into civil matter. And the police may not carryout a coprehensive investigation into the matter because the army authorities will not cooperate with them. I think that the govt. should for once show interest in this case, if not for anything else, to show that they still care about the security of lives of nigerian citizens.
Anyway, we always expect unexpected. It has happened already, And all these argument s will never call back the soul of the death one, but what we are saying is that, Nigeria Amry were not incharge of arresting in any circumstance but making peace in the society, thats is the reason while they are now leaving close to us.
Okay , assuming the multitudes wanted to disarmed the soldiers, their orientation should’ve touch them not to shot striaght but defensive shot which means shot up.
Imaging, soldier’s were going out with out tier gas. these are the things they should’ve scared away the people if only their trying to disarmed them truely. Nigerian army should consoul the family and do the nessesary thing, if not for anything, but simply becouse of the new baby of the lost broda.
Everyman or woman is entitled to his or her opinion.It should be noted that everybody is in sympathy with the family of the deceased over the unfortunate incident nevertheless,the issues surrounding the incidence should be understood properly.the truth is,you don’t expect an armed soldier to be watching while his weapon is being collected.it is also important to note that the same weapon being collected can be used again him and his colleagues.moreover there is sharp practices among these bureau d change operators who ganged up against innocent and helpless persons.the military of this democratic era is a very professional army who are guided by the principle of the rule of law and respect of human rights while also placing their training and rules of engagement at at the back of their mind.we should learn from situation like this and never argue with somebody armed rather settles things diplomatically.i sincerely sympathize with the deceased family and kindly implore the union leaders of the bureau d change to get rid of criminals in their midst and prevent future occurrence of these kind sad and ugly situation.This is a personal opinion and may the soul of the departed rest in perfect peace.