From Sani Gazas Chinede, Maiduguri
Tragedy struck in the Tudu community of Maiduguri when the sound of multiple gunshots sent residents fleeing for their lives, evoking memories of Boko Haram attacks.
However, in a shocking twist, the gunshots came from a police sergeant’s AK-47 rifle, fired at his own father.
Pauline Kuje Vana delves into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
A protector turned perpetrator in a tragic incident that occurred in the Tudu area of Maiduguri, where Police Sergeant Linus Wadzani, attached to Mopol 6, opened fire on his own father, 70-year-old retired ASP Wadzani Ntasiri, at their family residence.
The sergeant fired multiple shots from his AK47 rifle which sent shockwaves through the community, leaving neighbors stunned and wondering what could have led to such a violent outburst between a father and son.
Family members were still in shock to speak publicly about the incident, grappling with the sudden loss of their loved one.
However, some neighbors, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that Sergeant Linus Wadzani had been behaving erratically in recent times, likely triggered by excessive alcohol consumption, threatening to harm someone, unaware that his father would ultimately become his victim.
The suspect was immediately taken into custody at the Police headquarters Maiduguri, where the police authorities denied NTA access to interview the suspect, citing that the investigation was still in its final stage and that any statements would be reserved for the court proceedings after his dismissal from the Nigerian Police.
As the family and community mourn the loss of ASP Wadzani Ntasiri rtd, the tragic incident calls for urgent need to evaluate the mental health of uniformed personnel, particularly those with access to firearms, for their own safety and the communities they serve and protect.
News Credit: NTA