Police said yesterday that they had begun investigation into Saturday's killing of a member of the vigilance group, otherwise called Civilian JTF, by a policeman in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. The youth, Usman Ibrahim Jatto, was allegedly shot dead by a policeman during an argument.
The killing infuriated youths, who embarked on a violent protest and attempted to torch the state police headquarters. The youths, who barricaded major roads in the town, delayed the convoy of Governor Kashim Shettima for over 40 minutes.
However, Shettima attended Jatto's funeral on Sunday morning with members of his executive council and donated N3.5 million and a house to the family of the deceased. The Caretaker Chairman of Maiduguri Metropolis Council, MMC, Alhaji AbdulKadir Rahis, also donated N500,000 cash to the family.
Speaking with journalists yesterday, the state Police Commissioner, Lawal Tanko, said the Criminal Investigation Department, CID, had been instructed to investigate the killing with the aim of prosecuting the policeman who allegedly killed Jatto, if found culpable. Tanko said the CID was waiting for the policeman to recuperate before he would face the probe panel.
The commissioner said the policeman was critical injured and was receiving treatment. He said: "We pray for him to survive so that we can take proper action and avoid any future occurrence. "We have been talking to our officers to strictly adhere to the rule on when fire arms are allowed to be used."
Tanko also said the work of the vigilance group needed to be supported by all, promising that the police would cooperate with the youths. The commissioner, however, advised that the youths should register with the District Police Officer in their areas of operation in order to be assisted with logistic support. He said: "We are happy that they have realised their civic duty and we can legitimise their activities if they come to us.
"It is not too good to go against someone with sophisticated weapons with sticks; we can always shield them with our arms and ammunition. "We can also recommend them to those in government for assistance so that they can get something for their voluntary task."
National Mirror