Army/community clash: 57 suspects remanded

A Chief Magistrate court, on Friday, ordered that 57 suspects arrested in Kpaidna and its surrounding villages, during the army invasion of the community, should be remanded till September 6.

Deputy Chief Registrar, Ahmed Bima, who gave the order, when the suspects were arraigned before him, also adjourned further mention in the case to September 6 this year.

The accused persons were arraigned on a four-count charge of culpable homicide, causing mischief, being in possession of dangerous weapons and obstructing officers from their lawful duties, contrary to various sections of the penal code.

Chief Magistrate Bima also directed that those injured among the suspects should be given medical treatment.

The Guardian observed a mild drama, when the police declined to accept those injured, because of lack of facilities to handle their treatment. The prison officials also kicked against the large number of the suspects and the limited space at the Minna prison.

However, they later took custody of the suspects and moved them in two buses to the prison opposite the Bako Mohammed Kontagora Stadium.

It would be recalled that the recent attack on Kpaidna and four other villages, left over 24 people, including 11 soldiers dead.