Speaking with the troops head, it was clear that they had
slight knowledge of the incident beforehand according to de-briefing by both
sides of the fighting youths and they had tried to foster conflict resolution
terms before the clash turned bloody.
“Would we have allowed the boys use their machetes to
slaughter innocent people and burn down houses? Few days ago, the community
boys came to meet us to tell us about the issues they faced but we clearly let
them understand that we are military men and that is not our job. We asked them
to go settle it themselves. On that Monday morning, we were at the Baale’s
palace, with some elders and the youth heads trying to resolve the issue
amicably when we got the information that two bags ‘Ghana must go’ were filled
with machete and the boys were using them to fight against themselves. They
even began to make advances to burn down houses belonging to elders, especially
that of one Awujale. Innocent citizens were already running for their dear
lives, it was reported as a case that required immediate action. We immediately
mobilized our troops into action. We began from Karimu Street and headed down
Magbesa Street. Some of them were arrested while some escaped. Also we made reinforcement
call ‘situation report’ to our base where the armored personnel carrier was
sent to us that night. We used it technically as a show of force. Within
minutes, everywhere was calm. Residents’ hopes were restored.
The next morning, we heard that the community boys were
mobilizing a comeback attack in the hotels around town. We immediately swooped
in and raided every hotel in the town. We didn’t find anything implication
among the people that were rounded up so we let them go after some questioning.
As a matter of fact, we were deployed to Kirikiri Prisons.
We have our men in the medium, maximum and female prison. We protect the
Prisons. We are everywhere to keep it safe from prison break. We reacted
because we saw the community boys’ fight as a diversion method used by Boko Haram
to cause a prison break for their people inside the prison and that was the
major reason we reacted swiftly to put an end to the situation and keep the
entire perimeter calm. We are ready for them if they continue to disobey
the laws of the country and the land but we hope peace will reign among them”
the Army troops head spoke to Kirikiri News Media.
The two days of patrol by the Nigeria Army troops attached
to the prisons was supported by the Nigeria Police patrol afterwards. A close
source within the police disclosed that they too are ready if the boys want to
act immoral.
Kirikiri News Media gathered that some of the arrested
persons in connection to the attacks have been released on bail pending when
all court requirements have been fulfilled. Their cases are still in court.
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