Tension has gripped Bauchi State following the alleged shooting and killing of a soldier by a police inspector attached to the Mobile Police Unit (MOPOL) in Futuk, Alkaleri Local Government Area.

 

The incident reportedly occurred during a confrontation over a truck suspected to be transporting illegally mined minerals linked to a Chinese company from the Yalo mining sites.

 

According to eyewitness accounts, soldiers at a checkpoint in Futuk flagged down the truck, but the driver ignored the order and sped off. The soldiers pursued and intercepted the vehicle, leading to a heated argument with the police officer escorting it.

 

The disagreement quickly escalated, and the police officer allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding one of the soldiers. The soldier was rushed to a hospital in Gombe State, where he was later confirmed dead.

 

Confirming the incident, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 33 Artillery Brigade, Major Atang Hallet Solomon, said investigations were ongoing.

 

“Our relationship with the police remains cordial, and a joint investigation is underway to determine the immediate and remote causes of the incident,” he stated, adding that the ownership and content of the truck were also under scrutiny.

 

He disclosed that while the truck driver managed to escape, the police officer linked to the shooting had been arrested.

 

On his part, Bauchi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmad Wakili, confirmed that the Commissioner of Police would visit the scene of the incident on Thursday, promising more details after the assessment.