Death Of Water Melon Seller: Nigerian Army Moves To Discipline Erring Soldier |The Source

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Army has reacted to the report of one of its personnel who, allegedly, killed a water melon seller in Gusau, Zamfara state. The water melon’s sin, which led to the horrific incident a demand for payment for the melon bought by the soldier.

A statement issued by  Mohammed Yerima, Brigadier-General, and Director of Army Public Relations, Tuesday, described the incident as very regrettable and sad.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Nigerian Army (NA) has been drawn to a news report alleging that a watermelon seller was shot dead while demanding his pay from a military personnel who bought watermelon from him and refused to pay.

“It was also alleged that some angry youths in the area reacted and chased the soldier into a hotel along Gusau – Sokoto Road.

“Also stated in the report was that the angry youths blocked Gusau – Sokoto Road bye-pass and set an army operational vehicle ablaze.

“The NA wishes to state that the sad incident is quite regrettable and condole with the family of the deceased.

“It is worthy of note that the General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Major General Usman Yusuf has since commissioned an investigation to unravel the circumstances that led to the altercations, which eventually claimed one life as efforts are ongoing to arrest the yet to be identified perpetrator.

“Additionally, it is important to state that no military operational vehicle was set ablaze as claimed in the report.

“The NA remains professional and will never condone any act of misconduct by troops against the very people they are deployed to protect.

“The Army wish to state clearly that, the alleged perpetrator, once identified, will be subjected to a thorough investigation and if found wanting, will be made to face the full wrath of the law in accordance with extant provisions.

“Furthermore, the NA wish to assure the good people of Zamfara state that normalcy has been restored in the general area and the Army remains committed in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.

“The Army is also working to put in place measures to ensure that such incident never occur again.”

The killing of innocent civilians by uniformed men has been on the increase recently.