SEE How Police Stray Bullet Killed Trader In Maiduguri [LOOK]

There was pandemonium on Sunday in Maiduguri, over the killing of a civilian by a police officer at the West End area of the state.

*Police officers on patrol 

Aggrieved youths in their hundreds, barricaded major roads in the metropolis with bonfires, and took to the streets in protest.   

A source who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the police officer stationed close to a military formation shot at a tricycle driver for allegedly violating traffic rule, but missed and the bullet went to hit a trader (Maigoro) selling at the road side opposite the military formation.

He said the trader died on the spot before help could come as he was hit on the chest.  

According to the source, the trigger happy police officer was not remorseful after seeing the damage he had done, an attitude that sparked up the anger of the youths in the area, who mobilised on hearing the sound of the gunshot.   

Another roadside trader, who witnessed the incidence, Mohammed Bukar, confirmed that the angry youth chased the police officers away from the area.

"People were angered because after the shooting, the policeman did not show any sign of regret. The youth, who came to the area, started protesting the killing" he said.

He said the police officer who was almost lynched by the angry youth was quickly rescued by his colleagues who wisked him out of the area, though he had already sustained injuries on his head and eyes.                   

The youths took over the area, and motorists plying the road were made to turn back to take other routes, as the roads leading to Baga road, Post office and Custom area were closed for many hours by the youth who set bonfire.

Military men drafted with armoured vehicles to the area turned back as some of the youth had started throwing stones at them.     

When contacted, Gideon Jibril, the state Police Public Relations Officer, said the command was not aware of the incident while some of the protesting youths alleged that some of them have been arrested and locked up at Lamisula police station, close to where the incident happened.