NSCDC operatives allegedly gun down 28-year-old man in Niger

Some officers of the Niger State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps NSCDC, have allegedly killed a youth identified as Naziru Abubakar, 28 years at Brighter School area in Minna, the state capital.

It was gathered that the incident occurred on Monday between 11pm and midnight while men of the NSCDC were on duty in their patrol vehicle around the area

Newsmen gathered that about five youths were seated outside at that time but took to their heels when they sighted the operatives who were on a routine patrol.

The youths were said to have run into the house of one Yanga Buba, however, out of curiosity to see why they ran on sighting the officers, the deceased, Nasiru who was said to be reciting the Holy Quran at the time came outside and was shot by the operatives.

An eyewitness told our Correspondent that Nasiru was shot in the head and died on the spot, adding that the activities of hoodlums in the area had become a source of worry to residents.

The area is reportedly known for crimes, residents were forcefully dispossessed of their cell phones and other belongings as well as housebreaking and other criminal activities are reported to have increased in the area.

Newsmen gathered that presently plans are on by the youths of the area to stage a protest at the office of the Civil Defense Corps with the body of the deceased young man to demand why he was gunned down by officer.

The case is said to have been reported at the Chanchaga Police station in the state for investigation and further action on the issue.

However, when contacted for confirmation, the state NSCDC through its Public Relations Officer PRO, DSC Nasir Abdullahi denied the report.

He described the story as a rumour that should be discarded insisting that” at the moment the command has not received any report to that effect.

”However, if we do get any information on it, we will get back to you. It is a rumour and should be treated as such,” he said.