Real reasons behind Apo killings revealed

Revelation emerged Friday afternoon regarding the incident at Apo legislative quarters, Abuja where 7 people were killed.

DailyPost had learnt that men of the SSS had mobilized some military men to an uncompleted building to excavate some weapons purportedly buried by some Boko Haram militants. The action was sequel to security details gathered from two Boko Haram suspects currently in detention.

However, an officer of the SSS who pleaded anonymity had disclosed that about a week ago, men of the SSS stormed the uncompleted building, warning the occupants to vacate the place based on government’s directive, but the people remained adamant, demanding for a perfect explanation on why they were asked to leave.

He added that “when men of the SSS were accompanied to the building around 12am this morning, the people were all ordered out of the building. For security reason, they were all asked to sit on the ground pending when the excavation work was completed. However, while work was still ongoing, some men believed to be Boko Haram suspects fired at the security team. The soldiers in turn responded. While the fire exchange was on, those who tried to escape from the scene were gunned down by either bullets from the security men or the Boko Haram militants.” He had disclosed

Another James Ogile who also lived in the uncompleted building had told our reporter that those who lost their lives were actually killed by the military, as they only heard few shots from those the SSS claimed were Boko Haram only fired few shots at them ” the truth is that the Army and the SSS thought we were Boko Haram informants, so after they fired at them, they started shooting indiscriminately, and those who attempted to escape from the scene were all gunned down. They should have faced those whom they claimed attacked them and not innocent people like us. We did not attack them; we did not even resist their order. We were very peaceful when they ordered us out of the building. Why should anyone kill poor, innocent and harmless squatters like us? We do labourers work here with no evil intention.

Others who spoke with our correspondent equally confirmed that the men were just squatting in the building.
 ‘’ This is getting out of hands. How can anyone open fire on innocent people whom we all know, and claimed they were Boko Haram members. I know those guys. They are very responsible people who have been engaged in legitimate businesses. Do you think they would have preferred to live in an uncompleted building if they could afford an accommodation? If they were Boko Haram members, would they have come to live in an uncompleted building? I doubt if the SSS are being sincere here. I’m not even sure they came for any excavation. In fact, anything goes in this country.’’ One Samson had told our reporter.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Director, Public Relations Department of State Services, Marilyn Ogar had yesterday afternoon issued a press statement, stating her own version of the incident.

According to her, a combined security team went for the said operation sequel to information obtained from two (2) Boko Haram elements; Kamal Abdullahi and Mohammed Adamu, who had earlier been arrested for terrorist activities. The duo, according to Orga had disclosed to the SSS that some weapons were buried within the vicinity of the building. Orga disclosed that during the operation, some suspected militants engaged the military men in a gun duel. She said some people were injured at the process.

The statement read “In the early hours of today, 20th September, 2013, about 0030 hours, a combined security team went for an operation behind the Apo legislative quarters. The operation was sequel to information obtained from two (2) Boko Haram elements Kamal ABDULLAHI and Mohammed ADAMU, who had earlier been arrested for terrorist activities. They led the security team to uncompleted buildings where arms were purported to have been buried underground.

“2. No sooner had the team commenced digging for the arms, than they came under heavy gunfire attack by other Boko Haram elements within the area, which prompted immediate response from the security team. As a result, some persons were injured and twelve (12) others have been arrested in connection with the incident, and are making useful statements.

“3. Normalcy has returned to the area. Members of the public are advised to go about their normal businesses, as appropriate security measures have been emplaced to ensure the safety of citizens in the FCT. We want to reiterate the need for all Nigerians to be vigilant of their immediate environment and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies. Our National security must remain the collective responsibility of all Nigerians.”