A state of chaos gripped Gusau, Zamfara State's capital, on Wednesday, following reports of a tragic shooting incident involving personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Amidst the peaceful observance of Eid prayers by Muslim faithful, the NSCDC officers purportedly opened fire while pursuing suspected hoodlums, resulting in the fatal shooting of a woman and igniting uproar among residents.
Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing scene, describing how the NSCDC personnel, in their pursuit, discharged their firearms indiscriminately, ultimately claiming the life of an innocent bystander. Outraged by the senseless violence, a furious mob gathered and retaliated by setting fire to an NSCDC vehicle in protest against the tragic incident.
Confirming the alarming turn of events, ASP Yazid Abubakar, the spokesperson of the Zamfara State Police Command, revealed that two NSCDC personnel allegedly involved in the shooting are now in police custody, pending further investigation into the circumstances leading to the woman's death.
However, NSCDC spokesperson Ikor Oche refuted the allegations, asserting that the corps members were stationed at their post near the UBA Bank when they heard gunshots emanating from the vicinity of Zenith Bank. Oche maintained that the NSCDC officers responded to the scene only to find the woman critically wounded, denying any involvement in her shooting. Nevertheless, the NSCDC has initiated its investigation into the incident.
Amidst the escalating tension, law enforcement authorities intervened to disperse the agitated mob and restore order to the area. The tragic shooting has not only cast a pall over the Eid festivities but has also raised pressing questions about security protocols and accountability in public spaces, prompting demands for swift justice and transparency in the investigation.
