The tragic incident involving the death of Warrant Officer Ali Haruna, a Guard Commander, at a checkpoint in Futuk village, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, has sparked a joint investigation by the Bauchi State Police Command and the Nigerian Army Military Police. Conflicting reports, particularly those circulating online, have necessitated a thorough inquiry to ascertain the precise sequence of events leading to this unfortunate loss of life. While initial online narratives painted a picture of an unprovoked attack by a police officer on military personnel attempting to apprehend a truck suspected of illegal mining activities, the official police statement presents a different perspective, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive investigation to unravel the truth.
The Bauchi State Police Command, in its official statement, characterized the online reports as misleading and misrepresentative of the actual events. The police clarified that the truck in question belonged to Guruje Mining Company Limited and ZURFI Company Limited, both duly licensed to extract lead and zinc minerals in the area. These companies, according to the police, operate within the legal framework of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act of 2007 and possess all necessary certifications and approvals. Furthermore, the police emphasized that the companies had fulfilled all required financial obligations to the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, thereby casting doubt on the initial allegations of illegal mining activities.
The presence of police officers at the scene, including Inspector Yusuf Ibrahim, the officer implicated in the shooting, was explained as part of the security detail assigned to protect the mining companies’ operations and expatriate staff. This deployment, according to the police, was a standard procedure to ensure the safety and security of legitimate mining activities in the area. The police statement highlighted that the companies had successfully extracted a substantial quantity of minerals and were in the process of exporting them, having duly paid all applicable fees and taxes. This information further complicates the initial narrative of an illegal mining operation, emphasizing the need for a meticulous investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the fatal shooting.
To ensure a comprehensive and impartial investigation, the Bauchi State Police Command has established a specialized team of experienced detectives working in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Military Police. This joint effort aims to gather all relevant evidence and testimonies to reconstruct the incident accurately. The investigation will focus on both the immediate and underlying causes of the tragedy, striving to establish a clear and evidence-based account of what transpired. The police have assured the public that the investigation will adhere to the highest professional standards, ensuring a thorough and unbiased examination of all available facts.
The police statement also issued a cautionary message against the spread of misinformation and sensationalized reporting, emphasizing the sensitivity of the situation and the importance of respecting the life lost. The command urged bloggers and online platforms to refrain from disseminating narratives that could potentially undermine the collaborative relationship between security agencies operating within the state. The focus, according to the police, should be on supporting the ongoing investigation and allowing the due process to unfold without undue speculation or conjecture.
The Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, expressed his deepest condolences to the Commander of the 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi, as well as to the family and loved ones of the deceased Warrant Officer Ali Haruna. The Commissioner reiterated the commitment of the police command to uncover the truth behind this tragic incident and ensure that justice is served. The police urged the public to remain calm and rely on official channels for accurate updates on the progress of the investigation, discouraging the spread of rumors and unverified information. The joint investigation, it is hoped, will provide clarity on the events that led to this unfortunate loss of life and bring closure to those affected by this tragedy.
