There was confusion on Thursday in Garki market, Abuja, over a violent incident involving the Department of State Services (DSS) and traders.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that a video of the incident, which surfaced on the internet, showed traders scampering for safety after a loud sound of gunshot was heard.
The girl who captured the video was heard saying said, “Just look at what is happening…They shot that girl. See her, she is bleeding. Is that blood on her face? innocent person.”
“How can you shoot in the market?” she asked as she captured traders running after a dark SUV leaving the scene of the incident.”
Reacting, the DSS has said it has commenced an investigation over the incident.
A statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of DSS, Peter Afunanya, said the secret police responded to an SOS from their field operatives who allegedly came under a mob attack in the said market.
“The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to an incident that occurred a few hours ago (today, 7/9/2023) between its staff and a mob at the Garki Market, Abuja. Information at the disposal of the Service was that its FCT Command responded to an SOS from their field operatives who allegedly came under a mob attack in the said market.”
“Consequently, the Service has commenced an investigation into the matter. The public is assured that details of the inquiries will be communicated as soon as possible.
“The Service assures that it will not hesitate to mete out proper disciplinary measure(s) to its staff if found culpable or running foul of Standard Operating Procedures on dealing with a member of the public,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police said some suspects have been arrested in connection to the incident.
The FCT Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, in a statement, shared more details about the incident. The officer said the incident led to some local youths reacting angrily and attempting to confront the DSS personnel involved.
In response to the development, she said the police intervened to rescue the individuals and protect public safety.
“During the incident, there was damage to a section of the Police outpost as some of the irate youths acted in a disorderly manner. It is important to note that some weapons used in the commotion have been recovered, and normalcy has now been restored,” the statement said.
