Tension has risen in Lere District, Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, following a deadly clash between soldiers and residents.
According to eyewitnesses, the soldiers from Operation Haven of the Nigerian Army, who were enforcing a curfew imposed by the local Emir, Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar Bawa, killed five people and injured eight others.
The violence allegedly erupted after the soldiers brutally beat a driver who refused to pay a bribe, sparking outrage among local youths who confronted the military personnel.
“The youths of Lere mobilized to the checkpoint to intervene, but the soldiers and mobile police officers opened fire, killing Habibu Aminu Mahmoud, 31, a graduate of Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, and three others: Salau Ahmad Kasim, 13, Babawo Lauwahu Kanji, 32, and Deene Baban Uwale, 15.
“Usman Abubakar was also killed. The soldiers and police prevented the injured youths from getting medical attention, blocking them from being taken to the hospital until they confirmed their deaths.
