Tension arose in Zamfara State on Wednesday after a worshiper was allegedly killed by a security operative.
The operative, reportedly a member of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), was chasing hoodlums when he accidentally shot the unidentified worshiper.
Angry youths in the area immediately attacked the security operative.
The incident occurred during Eid prayer in Gusau, the state capital, leading to outrage and increased tensions.
In a display of sorrow and anger, local residents expressed their dismay by setting an NSCDC vehicle on fire.
The Nigerian Police in Zamfara State, confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, ASP Yazid Abubakar.
Abubakar stated that two NSCDC personnel involved in the tragic event have been arrested.
During a telephone interview, he mentioned that the police are currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the shooting.
“We have two of them in our custody as we speak now, they are the ones that shot the gun, though the command is still investigating the incident,” he said.
However, the NSCDC spokesperson in Zamfara, Ikor Oche, refuted the claim that the Civil Defence personnel shot the victim.
Oche clarified that the personnel were at their designated post, monitoring the movements of Muslim worshippers who were heading out to observe the Eid prayer when they heard the gunshot.
“Our men were stationed at the central roundabout, close to UBA Bank, they heard a gunshot from the other side around Zenith Bank. They moved to the area and found a woman with gunshot injury.
“Because they were the ones close to the scene, mob descended on them. They had to run for their safety and abandoned their Hilux vehicle.
