The Niger State Police Command has launched an investigation into a tragic incident in which a police officer allegedly went on a shooting spree while under the influence of alcohol, killing a resident in the Angwan-Kaje area of Chanchaga Local Government Area.
The officer, attached to the Maitumbi Police Station, was said to have consumed an excessive amount of alcohol before picking up his rifle and firing indiscriminately in the early hours of Monday. During the shooting, a resident identified as Sani was killed while sleeping. Another resident, a tea seller known as Mai Shayi, narrowly escaped after the officer allegedly attempted to shoot him as well.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as terrifying, with gunshots ringing out unexpectedly in the quiet neighborhood. One of the witnesses, who spoke on condition of anonymity, recounted how the officer fired without any provocation.
“The officer shot Sani while he was sleeping. He also attempted to shoot Mai Shayi, but he ran away. Bullet shells were found at the scene,” the eyewitness said.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage among residents of Angwan-Kaje and beyond, with many demanding justice for the slain victim. According to community members, the reckless behavior of some officers has long been a concern, and they are now calling for stricter measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
Police Response and Investigation
The Niger State Commissioner of Police, Shuwala Danmamman, has ordered a full investigation into the matter and directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Maitumbi to identify and apprehend the officer responsible for the shooting.
Spokesman for the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident and assured the public that justice would be served.
“The command received the complaint of the alleged shooting, which occurred around 3 am on March 10, 2025, at Angwan-Kaje, Maitumbi, Minna. The Commissioner of Police has directed the DPO Maitumbi to investigate and identify the officer responsible for the act for further necessary action. Further developments and actions taken will be communicated to the public in due course,” Abiodun stated.
Growing Concern Over Police Conduct
This incident has reignited concerns about the conduct of security personnel in the country, particularly regarding alcohol consumption and the misuse of firearms. In recent years, there have been several reports of officers acting irresponsibly, leading to unnecessary loss of lives and injuries.
Human rights activists and civil society organizations have called for more stringent regulations on police officers’ behavior, particularly concerning alcohol consumption while on duty. They have also demanded that erring officers face strict disciplinary action, including dismissal and prosecution.
A local activist, Musa Ibrahim, condemned the incident, describing it as yet another example of law enforcement officers failing in their duty to protect lives.
“This is not the first time we are hearing about a policeman going rogue after consuming alcohol. How can someone who is meant to protect the people be the one causing harm? The police authorities need to take urgent steps to address this issue,” Ibrahim said.
Victim’s Family and Community in Mourning
The family of the deceased, Sani, has been left devastated by the loss. Relatives and friends gathered at his home, expressing their sorrow and frustration over the manner of his death.
“This is a great loss to us. Sani was a peaceful man who had no problem with anyone. He was killed in his sleep for no reason. We want the authorities to ensure that justice is done,” a grieving family member said.
Residents of Angwan-Kaje have also expressed their fears, saying they no longer feel safe in their own community. Some have called for increased monitoring of police officers, especially those stationed in their area.
“We are scared because the people who should be protecting us are the ones killing innocent people. The government must take action before another innocent life is lost,” a resident said.
Calls for Reform in the Police Force
This incident has once again brought attention to the need for reforms in the Nigerian Police Force. Experts and analysts have long called for better training, psychological evaluations, and stricter supervision of officers to prevent such incidents.
Security analyst, Abdulrahman Jibrin, noted that excessive alcohol consumption among officers is a problem that needs urgent attention.
“There should be regular screening and checks to ensure that officers on duty are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This case in Niger State is one of many that have occurred in different parts of the country. The authorities must take decisive action to curb this menace,” Jibrin said.
As investigations continue, Nigerians are watching closely to see how the police will handle this case. Many hope that justice will be served and that measures will be put in place to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The Niger State Police Command has assured the public that it will provide updates on the investigation. However, residents and activists continue to demand transparency and accountability to ensure that the officer responsible is held to account.
For now, the people of Angwan-Kaje remain in mourning, hoping that the tragic death of Sani will not be in vain but will instead lead to meaningful changes in police conduct and accountability across the country.
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