The Nigerian Army says, General Officer Commanding 8 Division Major General Usman Yusuf has started an investigation to unravel the circumstances that led to the altercations which eventually claimed one life as efforts are ongoing to arrest the yet-to-be-identified perpetrator.
In a statement issued by Army spokesperson, Brig. Gen Mohammed Yerima, a news report by an online media, on Monday, credited to TVC News, alleging that a watermelon seller was shot dead while demanding his pay from military personnel who bought a watermelon from him and refused to pay.
"It was also alleged that some angry youths in the area reacted and chased the soldier into a hotel along Gusau - Sokoto Road, Yerima said.
"Also stated in the report was that angry the youths blocked Gusau – Sokoto Road bye pass and set an army operational vehicle ablaze.
"The Nigerian Army wishes to state that the sad incident is quite regrettable and condole with the family of the deceased.
"Additionally, it is important to state that no military operational vehicle was set ablaze as claimed in the report.
The Nigerian Army remains professional and will never condone any act of misconduct by troops against the very people they are deployed to protect", he added.
The Army also stated clearly that, the alleged perpetrator once identified will be subjected to a thorough investigation and if found wanting, will be made to face the full wrath of the law by extant provisions.
"Furthermore, the Nigeria Army wishes to assure the good people of Zamfara state that normalcy has been restored in the general area and the Army remains committed to the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
The Army is also working to put in place measures to ensure that such incident never occurs again", Yerima said.
