By Sam Kayode
The Berom Youths Moulder-Association (BYM) has condemned in totality the killing of its members by uniformed personalities near Jos recently.
In a release made available to newsmen in Jos, the young people of Berom extraction said they were immeasurably saddened and disappointed over what looked like an avoidable killing of its members Kenneth Gyang (18) and Emmanuel Pam (38).
“Both of them were fired at and injured by a personnel of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) stationed at Vwei (Mararab-Jama’a) of Kuru District, Jos South LGA at about 9:00am of the 5/6/2023 with no form of provocation known to them” said the release signed by Rwang Tengong.
According to eye witnesses, the victims amongst other mourners were in a Procession from Zawan Mortuary for a burial of a relation at Kuru Community in Jos South LGA when the mishap occurred.
“But on approaching the OPSH checkpoint, the Military officer pointed a rifle at the mourners that they must all come down and push their motorcycles which had never happened before now.
” When they asked him of the rationale behind the unusual confrontation and unilateral order, the officer unprovokedly opened direct shot at the victims, leaving one dead and another injured despite being told that it’s a funeral procession that was passing by.
“What is also baffling, is that, funeral processions have never had such confrontation or prohibition either by order or convention from the security agents at this or any other checkpoint in Jos and its environs.
“The arbitrary killing of Kenneth, a promising young man, had his precious and sacred life untimely terminated by an officer that ought to have guaranteed safety of lives and property of Nigerians whose tax money are used for payment of security agents.
“Worthy of mention herein is that some security agents stationed there registered their implied displeasure over what the officer did.
“Another unfortunate development is the destruction/burgling of homes, Church Auditorium, shops and property of people around the Mararaban-Jama’a after the tragedy.” the release stated.
The youths noted that of concern to them also were unguided and threatening statements by the officers as disclosed by members of the community that they will return for them in the night.
The Youths body therefore condemned the ugly incident believed to have been premeditated by the said officer who they noted should immediately be handed over to the Police Force for preliminary investigation.
The youths called for the constitution of an independent “Panel of Inquiry” to immediately investigate the incident, and also be briefed on every level of the investigation for the purpose of justice. “Where the erring security agents is found culpable, he should be prosecuted accordingly.
“Similarly, the BYM call for immediate payment of N100m as compensation for the precious life lost, N100m only for the injured person and N100m compensiation for properties destroyed.
“For the records, we are not unaware of the accompanying threats posed to the residents of Kuru, especially Vwei-Mararaba Jama’a that there will be an invasion either this night or anytime soon.
“Should there be any attack carried on any Community in Kuru District or any part thereof, either now or in the future, the officers that perpetrated the shootings as well as those that were stationed at the check point will be held responsible as we will not take this lightly.
“We call on our people to be calm and remain law abiding as we will legally follow the development to its later to ensure justice is served.
“This does not take away our commendations and confidence on Sector 6 Commander, Col. Williams Ubi, for his prompt response to distress calls whenever duties demand on him”, noted Rwang Tengong, it’s publicity secretary.
