Two charcoal sellers were allegedly killed on Tuesday following a violent clash with local hunters in Zaranda village, Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
DAILY POST reports that the incident led to protests among residents of the village who barricaded the Bauchi – Jos Federal highway disrupting free flow of movement.
Our reporter gathered that the two people who were said to be engaged in charcoal business were killed by the hunters because they refused to ‘settle’ them as they tried to ferry their charcoal from the bush to the village.
A resident of the community, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, told our reporter that the hunters had demanded the charcoal sellers either pay them a settlement or leave behind the bags of charcoal, a demand that did not sit well with the sellers.
He explained that as the argument escalated, the two individuals tried to leave the scene by force, which reportedly angered the hunters.
According to the source, the hunters then fired their loaded dane guns at the victims, hitting them in multiple areas of their bodies, resulting in their immediate death.
The source added that on seeing what happened and to avoid imminent reprisal attacks, the hunters fled the scene to an unknown destination.
However, confirming the incident, Spokesman of the Bauchi Police Command, SP Ahmed Wakil in a statement issued said only one person died in the clash.
According to him, three residents were shot while one of them lost his life following a sporadic shooting of some members of Nigerian Hunters, Forestry and Security Service.
He stated further that the Divisional Police Officer of Toro Division got wind of the incident from a concerned citizen, who reported that angry youths at Zaranda village via Toro LGA, had barricaded the highway road.
The statement reads “This incident led to the serious injury of 35 year old Abubakar Yahaya, 20 year old Hussaini Yunusa and 16 year old Yayangida Hussaini, all from Zaranda Gari village via Toro LGA.
“They were taken to the Primary Health Care Center Zaranda Gari, where unfortunately, Abubakar Yahaya succumbed to his injuries,” Wakil said.
The Spokesman assured that the Command will conduct a thorough investigation and apprehend those responsible for the unprofessional conduct.
“The Commissioner of Police has instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Police In-charge of the Department of Operations to mobilise tactical teams, including the Department of Operation, Rapid Response Squad, Operation Restore Peace, Acpol Toro, and Nabordo Division personnel, to handle the situation professionally, ensuring the road is reopened for commuters and peace is restored in the area,” he added.