Residents of Barikallahu, a community near the Air Force Institute of Technology in Kaduna State, are reeling in fear after Nigerian Air Force personnel stormed the area, killing one person and injuring two others on Wednesday night. The incident, which occurred around 10 p.m., was captured in multiple videos showing a vehicle painted in military camouflage color, bearing the NAF logo, arriving in the community.
Eyewitnesses claim that five armed personnel, apart from the driver, stepped out of the vehicle, apprehending a man and beating him while others shouted, “Put am inside, put am inside” (Put him inside). The soldiers also fired sporadically into the air, causing residents to flee in panic.
A resident, who spoke anonymously, revealed that the NAF personnel had been aggressive to residents before Wednesday’s incident, citing a previous incident where a curfew was introduced, and soldiers scattered residents watching football, leading to missing properties. The resident alleged that Wednesday’s attack started due to a fight between a soldier and a resident over a woman, which escalated into violence.
The Air Force spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, confirmed that an investigation is ongoing, stating that the Kaduna Base Commander is engaging with the affected community. However, residents are demanding justice for the victims, particularly their slain colleague, Godwin.
