At least a soldier and a civilian have died following a violent clash between a soldier and a police special constabulary officer in Agyaragu, a community in the Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

But according to eyewitnesses, four civilians were shot dead by the policemen in the community following the clash between the soldier and the police constabulary officer.

It was gathered that the confrontation took place at Agyaragu market, and escalated to violence.

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SaharaReporters learned that violence started following an altercation between a soldier and a policeman at Agyaragu market. Unfortunately, the soldier was stabbed to death in the process.

This enraged his relatives who proceeded to the police station and set it ablaze. The source said four out of the protesting family members were shot by the policemen and killed.

Speaking to SaharaReporters on Monday morning, DSP Ramhan Nansel, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Nasarawa State, confirmed the death of the soldier but claimed only one of the civilians had died.

He said three civilians were shot for attacking a police station but only of them died. According to him, the others are in the hospital, receiving treatment.

“What the source told you is not true. The soldier is confirmed dead. The police shot the civilians because they attacked the police station and set it ablaze. But it is only one of them that died. Others were rushed to the hospital, and are currently receiving treatment,” the police PRO told SaharaReporters.

His statement made available to SaharaReporters added: “Following an investigation into a reported case of Motorcycle theft, on 3/11/2024 at about 1230hrs, a suspect was arrested by a Police Operative in collaboration with a Police Special Constabulary attached to Jenkwe Division, Obi Local Government Area at Agyaragu Market.

“While conveying the suspect to the Police Station, a soldier who was said to be serving in Borno but came home on Pass attacked the Police operatives in a bid to prevent the operatives from effecting the arrest.

“Consequently, the soldier brought out a knife and stabbed the Police Special Constabulary. In self-defense, the soldier was overpowered, and his knife was used against him. They both sustained varying degree of injuries, and the wounded soldier was subsequently confirmed dead.

“In view of the foregoing, some youths mobilized and stormed the police station, setting it ablaze.

“Police responded and fatally injured three of the attackers where one was later confirmed dead.

“Upon receipt of the information, the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Shehu Nadada psc, mni immediately visited the scene alongside Military personnel from Operation whirl stroke, 177 Guards Battalion and 22 Quick Response Unit where he swiftly ordered deployment of a unit of Police Mobile Force, a cell of Counter Terrorist Unit and Tactical units to restore peace in the area.

“Normalcy has been restored, and investigation is ongoing as the Commissioner orders manhunt of perpetrators.”