A tragic incident occurred at Kime filling station, Bolori Junction in Maiduguri, Borno state capital, on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of four protesters. The victims, who were workers at the petrol station, met their demise under unclear circumstances, amidst a backdrop of unrest and violence in the region.
Malam Musa, an attendant at the station, recounted the events leading to the tragedy. “As I’m speaking to you now, they are still lying in the pool of their blood,” he said, his voice shaking with emotion. Musa, who was with the victims, attributed their deaths to an explosion.
“I nearly got affected, but as God would have it, I escaped unhurt.” He described the scene as chaotic, with people running for cover as the sound of gunfire and explosions filled the air.
However, a conflicting account emerged from another source, who wished to remain anonymous. “I was opposite the filling station when the incident happened, there was nothing like a blast, we just heard sporadic gunfire and the boys were down.
Four of them died instantly,” the source said, contradicting Musa’s account of an explosion. The discrepancy in accounts raises questions about the true nature of the incident.
The Borno State Police have imposed a curfew, citing a bomb blast in Kawuri village, Konduga local government area, which claimed 19 lives. The police have not clarified whether the two incidents are related, or if the curfew is a precautionary measure to prevent further violence.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths at the filling station is expected to provide more clarity, as the community mourns the loss of the four young lives.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of citizens in the region, particularly amidst protests and unrest. The authorities have urged calm and restraint, promising to get to the bottom of the incident and bring perpetrators to justice. As the investigation unfolds, the community remains in shock, seeking answers and closure.