The Bauchi State Police Command has categorically denied the authenticity of a video circulating online that allegedly shows security operatives shooting a protesters in Azare on Monday, August 5, 2024. The Command has labeled the video and accompanying reports as false and misleading.
In an official statement, the Police Command emphasized that no such incident occurred in Azare or any other part of the state. They clarified that the video is a fabrication and does not feature any policeman, contradicting claims made on social media.
Ahead of the nationwide protests, the 22nd Indigenous Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, had directed all officers to wear camouflage uniforms with a red band on the left-hand side for clear identification. This directive aimed to ensure that officers deployed nationwide could be easily recognized.
The Command has formed a team of seasoned detectives to investigate the allegations thoroughly. This investigation will include all necessary protocols, such as the potential exhumation of any bodies if required, and will employ technical and scientific tools to establish the truth.
Commissioner of Police Auwal Musa Mohammed urged media practitioners to adhere to ethical investigative journalism standards and verify information through official channels. He stressed the importance of seeking the truth to promote national cohesion and patriotism.
“The Command, under my stewardship, is committed to maintaining high standards of professionalism, accountability, and justice,” said CP Auwal Musa Mohammed. “We call on the public to disregard this misinformation and always verify information through official channels.”
SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Bauchi State Command, reiterated the Command’s dedication to transparency and justice, ensuring that the public remains accurately informed.
