From JOHN FWAH, Kaduna
One ugly incident recorded during the last Saturday ‘s re-run election was the killing of a youth, Mansur Maishago in Rigachikun, Igabi Local Council of Kaduna State.
It was learnt that Maishago, who was a Sociology student of the Kaduna State University (KASU), was allegedly hit by a stray bullet when the election turned violent.
Our correspondent gathered that consequently, some youths barricaded the Rigachikun-Zaria expressway in protest, calling on security agencies to fish out persons behind the shooting.
It was learnt that the student was allegedly shot at his shop during a crisis involving the police and some hoodlums, who also allegedly snatched and ran away with the results of some polling units.
An eyewitness who pleaded anonymity, said violence erupted when the counting of ballots started and it was observed that a particular party was leading at Box 06 of the Women Centre ward in Rigachikun.
According to the witness, “when counting was in progress, a group of thugs in the company of police officers, stormed the area in a Hilux vehicle with number plate RBC 144 AP, snatched the ballot box, and took away the INEC officials”
He added: “After they left, a former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani, who is also a resident of the area, came to the scene in the company of some police officers. Then the crowd started shouting ‘karya ne! Ba ma yi!” (It’s a lie! We disagree!)
“It was at that moment that the police officers accompanying the former Speaker, started shooting in the air. A female police officer shot into the crowd and a stray bullet hit Mansur Mai Shago whose shop was nearby, ” the eyewitness alleged.
Also, a party agent, Ibrahim Adamu, who was at the polling centre, said he was attacked by thugs who wounded him in his right hand as he tried to run for his dear life.
Meanwhile, military officers were drafted to the spot to ensure the barricade was dismantled and vehicular movement restored.
Another eyewitness said: “The soldiers drafted to Rigachikun dispersed the protesting youths that blocked Rigachikun-Zaria expressway.”
Many residents of the area, however, remain apprehensive, following an attempt by angry youths to burn down the house of the former Speaker, who they blame for the shooting of the student.
Responding to the issue, the Kaduna State Police Command said investigation had commenced on the matter.
Spokesperson, ASP Mansir Hassan, who confirmed the development, said a Deputy Commissioner has been put in charge of the investigation, and that the outcome would be made public.
