By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has frowned at the reckless manner a truck driver and member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) , Mohammed Bello was brutally beaten and led to his death for refusing to give money requested by soldiers at Dikwa town entrance gate on his way to Maiduguri from Central Africa Republic where he delivered humanitarian materials.
The governor at a press conference on Thursday held at the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Office Conference Room, Musa Usman Secretariat strongly condemned the act and called on the culprits to be brought to book to face the wrath of the law because it involved life of a human being who was on duty in search of his legitimate food to cater for his family.
Represented by the SSG, Hon. Bukar Titanic, the governor also appealed to the NURTW Borno state leadership as a matter of importance to call off their strike and allow their members to return to work to carry out their normal transport business to and from Gamboru Ngala and even beyond.
He further condoled the leadership and members of the NURTW as well as family of the deceased truck driver while apologizing to the Union members and assuring them that such act will not repeat itself.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army, 7 Division General Officer Commanding (GOC), Major General Peter Malla has appealed for calm, assuring that the matter is being investigated and
Maj. Gen. Malla in a statement by the Division’s spokesman, Lt. Col. Jingina Ajemusu also condoled and apologized with the NURTW, and family of the deceased truck driver over the sad incident.
The statement reads in parts: “The 7 Division Nigerian Army has received a complaint from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Borno State Chapter on the alleged killing of their member, a truck driver by the name, Mr Mohammed Bello. The alleged incident occurred on 26 December 2023 along Dikwa-Gamboru Road at a checkpoint where soldiers are deployed for their routine duties.
“On receiving a complaint of the unfortunate incident, the Division swiftly swung into action and commenced investigation. Furthermore, engagement has been established with NURTW towards a peaceful resolution to the incident. The Division has assured both the family of the deceased and the NURTW of its commitment towards ensuring that justice is served to the family and no stone would be left unturned in this regard.
” In the Division’s effort towards ensuring that the family of the victim gets justice, the soldier in question has been arrested, and an investigation has commenced. It’s also worthy to mention that the Division does not tolerate any form of unprofessional conduct from any personnel as we operate within the ambit of the law.
The Division wishes to once again reassure the members of the general public that we will remain resolute and professional in the joint effort to tackle insecurity in Borno State”.
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