Policeman Allegedly Sh00ts Immigration Officer Mistakenly

Christian Oladimeji, an assistant superintendent of immigration (ASI), was allegedly shot by a police officer in Minna, Niger State, in what was claimed as an accident.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency journal covering the Lake Chad region, the incident occurred on February 21 at 12:30 p.m., when hoodlums attacked a police patrol squad returning stolen items.

According to the allegation, officers from Minna’s ‘A’ division police command, commanded by Ibrahim Paiko, were patrolling the area near the Obasanjo Complex when they came across a group of road construction workers moving iron rods that were suspected of being stolen.

When they saw the police, the workers, who were estimated to be seven in number, dropped the items and fled.

“As the officers attempted to recover the abandoned iron rods, they were suddenly attacked by other road construction workers and hoodlums, who threw stones and other objects at them,” the report reads.

“The assault also damaged the Dangote patrol vehicle used by the police.” Makama reported that as the situation escalated, Ibrahim Audu fired a shot to prevent the officers from being overwhelmed, but the bullet unintentionally struck Oladimeji, who was riding a motorcycle nearby.

“The bullet hit Oladimeji on the lap, causing her to fall from the motorcycle and sustain additional injuries,” the report added.

She was sent to the IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna, where medical personnel confirmed that no bullet fragments were stuck in her body, although she had a fractured waist.

“She is currently receiving medical attention, and doctors have assured that she is in stable condition,” Makama told the newspaper. Several suspects have reportedly been arrested for interrogation, and disciplinary action has been taken against the cops involved.

Authorities have advised locals to remain calm, reassuring them that security forces are actively working to keep the peace. “We are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, and necessary actions will be taken,” a security source was quoted as saying.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli