Plateau Killing: OPSH detain Mopol, commence investigation
A Mopol that wrongly shot a 300 level University of Jos student, Mr. Rinji Bala, has been arrested and detained by the Special Military Task Force, code named Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), mandated to restore peace in Plateau State.
The Mopol attached to the OPSH was said to have mistook the deceased to be a gun runner who was escaping from troops of the taskforce, the OPSH spokesman, Major Ibrahim Shittu, said.
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It was however reported on Tuesday evening at about 7pm local time, that some rampaging armed robbers took over the Jos South area and were being chased by the troops of the OPSH, resulting to the arrest of seven persons.
Concluding interrogation, Mr. Bala and four others were asked to leave and in the process, the University of Jos undergraduate was unfortunately shot by a Mopol.
Reacting to the incident, Major Shittu, said investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate death of the civilian.
According to him: “At about 10pm on 12th May 2020, information was received on the activities of suspected armed robbers and cultists operating around 18th street, Jos South LGA of Plateau State.
“The report revealed that the criminals took advantage of the lockdown and curfew to perpetrate crimes”.
Shittu said Sector 1 patrol troops of OPSH swiftly responded and arrested 7 suspects, which were immediately moved to the Headquarters Sector 1 for preliminary investigation.
“Thereafter, 5 out of the 7 suspects were cleared and asked to leave the premises. Unfortunately as they were leaving, one of the personnel on sentry duty mistook them for escaping suspects. Thus opened fire on them, which led to the death of Mr. Bala”, he said.
The OPSH spokesman who spoke through a statement and a copy made available to our correspondent, also said the Command has paid a condolence visit to the parents of the deceased to commiserate with them.
The taskforce has however vowed to dispense justice, our correspondent reports.
