Taraba Killings: DHQ Panel Recommends Disciplinary Actions Against Army Officer, ASP, 3 Others

The Board of Inquiry (BOI) set up by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to investigate the killing of three Policemen and one civilian in Ibi, Taraba State on August 6 has recommended disciplinary measures against five personal of the Nigerian Army and Police.

The BOI was set up at the instance of President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement dated October 8, 2019 and signed by Acting Director, Defence Information, Onyema Nwachukwu said the officers to face disciplinary sanctions include; Captain Tijani Balarabe, Sergeant Ibrahim Mohammed, Corporal Bartholomew Obanye of the Ibi Police Division, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Aondoona Iorbee, and Inspector Aliyu Dadje.

Recall that some soldiers had on 6 August reportedly opened fire on the police officers along Ibi-Wukari Road, killing all three police officers and a civilian.

The gruesome murder of the officers was questioned by the Police Force who accused the soldiers of deliberately killing the officers.

The statement read in part: “The incident started from Ibi town, following an alarm alleging the kidnap of one Alhaji Hamisu Bala (aka Wadume) by some individuals in a Hummer bus. Captain Tijani Balarabe informed all military checkpoints along Ibi-Wukari Road, who sprang into action.

“The alleged Hummer bus mentioned in the distress call however conveyed Police personnel of the IGP-IRT who were on a legitimate duty in Taraba State. Also, military checkpoints in the area were deployed by troops of Headquarters 93 Battalion, Takum, who were equally on legitimate duty to checkmate communal clashes, kidnapping and armed robbery, which were prevalent threats in Wukari Ibi area.

“After a thorough and painstaking investigation into the incident, the BOI submitted its report to the convening authority observing that, there were infractions and poor communication between personnel of the NPF and troops of the NA. It was also observed that there was non-adherence to the Standard Operating Procedure by both parties involved in the incident. It further made some recommendations to the NA and NPF to forestall future reoccurrence and bring anyone culpable to book in accordance with extant laws.

“The BOI also recommended that the NA and NPF should further investigate Captain Tijani Balarabe, Sergeant Ibrahim Mohammed, Corporal Bartholomew Obanye, DCO Ibi Police Division, Assistant Superintendent of Police Aondoona Iorbee, and Inspector Aliyu Dadje for complacency and necessary disciplinary measures. It was also recommended that further investigation be conducted on Hamisu Bala for gunrunning and possibly kidnapping, in order to prosecute the suspect,” the statement added.

The BOI in addition also recommended that the services and other security agencies establish an Interagency Liaison Desk to include senior officers for timely resolution of future misdemeanor.

The DHQ assured the public that the armed forces of Nigeria will in synergy with other security agencies continue to work in order to tackle contemporary security challenges confronting the nation.

The 7 member BOI led by Rear Admiral Ibikunle Taiwo Olaiya as chairman, comprised one representative each from the Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Defence Intelligence Agency, Nigeria Police and Department of State Service.