Regardless of the ongoing police investigation into the cruel murder of an Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Goni Gashua, who was allegedly killed by two soldiers, the Nigerian Army has sworn to thoroughly investigate the case, unmask and bring the suspected killers to justice.
Sheikh Goni Gashua was travelling from Kano to Gashua at about 9p.m. on Friday, August 19, 2022, when two soldiers, who had begged him for a ride.
The cleric was reportedly shot dead in his red Honda Accord car, which was taken away by the blood-mongering criminals until they were apprehended by the police operatives.
Spokesman for the Yobe State Police Command, Dungus Abdulkarim, had, while confirming the incident, revealed the identity of the suspects as: Lance Corporal John Gabriel and Lance Corporal Adamu Gideon, both of the 241 Recce Battalion, Nguru, Yobe state.
The two suspects, Abdulkarim further revealed, had been taken to the Criminal Investigation Department of the command in Damaturu, Yobe State capital, to tell detectives all they know about the dastardly act.
The popular Islamic scholar was buried on Saturday, August 20, in Gashua amid a torrent of tears by thousands of his students, family members, as well as associates who came to pay him last respect.
On its part, the Nigerian Army has vowed to bring the killers to account under both military and civil laws.
The Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Headquarters Section 2 Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Colonel Kennedy Anyanwu, pledged that the army would unmask and deal decisively with the two suspects named in the murder if found guilty.
Colonel Anyanwu said the Sector was collaborating with the Yobe State Police Command in carrying out diligent investigation into the crime.
“The Sector, in collaboration with Yobe State Police Command, is investigating the suspected soldiers’ identity,” the army spokesman said.
“Additionally, the Sector has instituted a Board of Inquiry to unravel the circumstance surrounding the unfortunate incident. At the end of the investigation, the soldiers will be made to face the full wrath of both military and civil laws.
“This incident is highly regrettable given the Sectors disposition and zero tolerance on violation of Code of Conduct and Rules of engagement for troops.
“Consequently, the Sector wishes to commiserate with the family of the victim and the good people of Yobe State and promise that justice would be served accordingly.”