By Our Reporter
Against social media reports, an insider source has revealed the true story of what transpired at Naka checkpoint in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
The source, on a condition of anonymity, spoke with Security Watch Africa (SWA).
He said “For clarity, soldiers deployed at the Naka checkpoint sighted some natives on motorcycles carrying butchered cows in the fashion of cattle thieves which raised the suspicion of the soldiers to interrogate the suspects.
“When soldiers attempted to stop the motorcyclists for questioning, a Toyota Hilux vehicle approached the checkpoint at high speed and refused to stop despite many attempts for it to stop.
“Officers in an attempt to halt the vehicle for proper identification, fired warning shots as expected in security, but the driver sped off into Naka town.”
The source added “Shortly after, there were sounds of gunshots heard within the town. It was later confirmed that the shooting emanated from some Operation Zenda personnel who were allegedly firing into the air in celebration of their successful operation.
“Unfortunately, a 12-year-old boy was hit in the leg by a stray bullet. Information spread that the child is currently receiving medical attention at Naka Medical Centre and is in stable condition.
“On the same day, Officers of Operation Zenda returned to the checkpoint demanding the release of suspects earlier apprehended with mutilated cows believed to have been rustled.
“One of the suspects later confessed that the Operation Zenda vehicle was conveying the rustled cows which made them not to stop for checking at the first instance,” the source stated.
Security Watch Africa gathered through enquire that the incident is currently being investigated by the Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE.
