Christian Oladimeji, an assistant superintendent of immigration (ASI), has reportedly been shot by a police officer in Minna, Niger State, in what has been described as an accident.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication covering the Lake Chad region, the incident happened around 12:30 p.m. on February 21 when hoodlums launched an attack on a police patrol team retrieving stolen materials.
The report states that officers from the ‘A’ division police command in Minna, led by Ibrahim Paiko, were patrolling the area near Obasanjo Complex when they encountered a group of road construction workers transporting iron rods suspected to be stolen.
Upon spotting the police, the workers, estimated to be around seven, dropped the materials and ran away.
“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 taken to the IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna, where medical staff confirmed that no bullet fragments were lodged in her body, but she had suffered a fractured waist.
“She is currently receiving medical attention, and doctors have assured that she is in stable condition,” Makama stated. Several suspects have reportedly been arrested for questioning, and disciplinary procedures have been launched against the officers involved.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that security forces are actively working to maintain peace. “We are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, and necessary actions will be taken,” a security source was quoted as saying.