The FCT Police Command has said its operatives quelled an altercation at the Garki International market involving an operative of the Department of State Services (DSS), shop occupants at the market, and some local youths.
This is as the DSS has said that investigation was on-going into the incident that occurred between its staff and a mob at the market.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Josephine Adeh, in a press statement late on Thursday night stated: “In an incident at Garki International Market today September 7, 2023, an altercation arose between market occupants and certain individuals, including a DSS personnel and a tailor named Muhammad Habibu.
“The Garki Divisional Police Station mobilised officers in response to a received distress call reporting the invasion of the market by these individuals, who fired shots at a tailor known as Mubarak Mubarak.
“This incident led to some of the local youths reacting angrily and attempting to confront the DSS personnel involved. In response, 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.”
According to the spokesperson. “It is important to note that some weapons used in the commotion have been recovered, and normalcy has now been restored.”
She noted that, “The Commissioner of Police in charge of the FCT, CP Haruna Garba, emphasizes the commitment to maintaining peace and respecting the rights of all citizens within the FCT.
“He encourages market occupants to also refrain from engaging in mischief involving public property, especially that which belongs to the security agencies in place to safeguard their well-being.
“Additionally, he urges the public to utilise the police emergency lines 08061581938, 07057337653, 08028940883,
for assistance when needed.”
Meanwhile, the DSS Public Relations Officer (PRO), Dr Peter Afunanya, in a press statement, earlier, said: “The attention of the DSS has been drawn to an incident that occurred a few hours ago, between its staff and a mob at the Garki Market, Abuja. “Information at the disposal of the Service is 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.”