Panic in Jos as masked soldiers kill bank guard

Fear has continued to grip residents of the Jos metropolis following the killing of a private security guard attached to a new generation bank on the Ahmadu Bello Way by some mask-wearing soldiers.

The residents are demanding justice over the extrajudicial killing of Linus Edogwu, who was allegedly shot at close range by some soldiers at the gate of the bank.

An eyewitness said the incident occurred on Monday, October 22, 2018, at about 3pm after the bank had closed to customers.

Our correspondent reported that banks in Jos close to customers by 3pm everyday because of security situation.

The eyewitness said, “The soldiers drove to the gate of the bank with their faces masked and demanded for the gate to be opened. But the security guard told them the operation hours had passed and that they should only use the Automatic Teller Machine.

“Edogwu also insisted that the soldiers would not be allowed onto the bank premises with masked face and cocked riffles in their hands.

“As the argument ensued, one of the soldiers fired at him and killed him at the gate. The soldier also injured other officials of the bank and some customers using the ATM, who are now receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital.”

The soldiers were said to have driven out of the scene while shooting into the air to disperse a mob who attempted to protest the extrajudicial killing.

The spokesman for the Special Military Taskforce codenamed Operation Safe Haven, Major Umar Adams, in a statement confirmed the killing, describing it as regrettable.

He said, “The Headquarters of Operation Safe Haven unequivocally condemns such overbearing acts and hereby states that it does not in any way represent the professional posture of the Armed Forces of Nigeria at large.

“The culprits have been identified, apprehended and currently under detention and will be subjected to constituted military justice procedure.

“The Commander, OPSH once again, uses this medium to commiserate with the family of late Edogwu, the management of the bank as well as families of the injured officials.”

He reiterated that the actions of the soldiers contravened the military code of conduct, as well as OPSH Rules of Engagement.

“The OPSH will continue to work tirelessly to improve civilians/military relations just as we implore well-meaning Nigerians to join hands with the command in the search of durable peace on the Plateau,” Umar stated.