Bereaved relatives have renewed their calls for justice and compensation for the ‘brutal and merciless’ killing of a truck driver who was allegedly beaten to death by a soldier.

It has been three months since a truck driver was allegedly “brutally and mercilessly” beaten to death by a soldier after he refused to pay a “tip” – and his bereaved relatives are still waiting for compensation and justice.

Abubakar Mohammed Bello, 35, a resident of Bulabulin, a ward in the Maiduguri Metropolis of Borno State, was transporting humanitarian aid relief items from Maiduguri to N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, on Tuesday, December 26, when he was stopped by a soldier at a checkpoint on the Maiduguri-Dikwa-Gamboru Ngala road

Witnesses said a soldier demanded money from Bello. When he refused to pay the “tip”, he was told to pull over and get out of his truck. A soldier, who was later arrested, allegedly beat the truck driver to death.

The witnesses described the soldier’s actions as “brutal” and “merciless”.

On Tuesday – exactly three months after his beating – his mourning family broke their silence and once again demanded justice for Bello’s brutal killing.

Waziri Ibrahim, Bello’s uncle, told RNI that he had not received any official communication or information from either the Borno State government or the Nigerian military, despite a promise for full compensation and justice for the killing of his nephew.

“Initially, the government and the military promised us to investigate the incident. They gave us their word that the culprit would be tried by court martial and, once convicted, punished for his brutal actions. But we have not heard anything from the authorities and we do not know if the soldier has been tried and convicted. He deserves to be punished for killing my innocent nephew.

“It’s been three months. We, his family, want to know what has been done. We want the government and the military to fulfil their promises. We want justice for our dead nephew.”

Zara Ibrahim, Bello’s aunt, said her nephew had been the sole breadwinner and looked after the family.

“He was the one who was providing for us. Now there is no one to take care of us. Since his death, life has been very difficult. And now it is Ramadan and we are fasting. When it is time to break the fast, we have nothing to eat.

“The soldier who committed this terrible crime needs to be prosecuted. We want compensation but, most of all, we want justice done for our beloved nephew. I am begging human rights groups to help us to get justice for Abubukar’s killing.

“Initially, I was confident with the process. The Borno State government and the military quickly condemned the act in the strongest terms and promised that a full investigation would be conducted. They swore the soldier would be punished for his vile actions.

“But we have not heard a word from anyone in authority. No one has contacted us and we do not know what is happening. As we stand right now, we have very little to no hope of justice or compensation.”

Ladi Samaila, Bello’s sister described him as a good man. She said he was the family’s breadwinner, a hard worker who looked after his siblings and grandparents.

She said the last time the family saw Bello alive was on Thursday, December 21, when he left home to take humanitarian aid relief items to N’Djamena.

She said the family was told her brother got into an argument with the soldier who allegedly demanded a bribe from him.

“He refused to pay it and now he is dead.”

Amina Musa, the truck driver’s younger sister, said Bello was like a father to her and the rest of the family.

Bulama Abiso, chairperson of the Network of Civil Society Organisations of Borno State, told RNI that he was aware of the case.

“We know about the case and we will definitely follow up to ensure that justice is done for the family of the truck driver.

“After the horrific incident, we paid a condolence visit to the distraught family. They were mourning for their loved one. They were in shock and could not believe that such a thing could happen to Abubakar.

“At the time we didn’t follow up the case properly because the state government and the Nigerian military had pledged to support the family by ensuring that the culprit would be interrogated and punished and that justice would be done.

“Unfortunately, we took their words for granted and became lax. It was brought to our attention again this week when we were told that neither the government nor the military had done anything about the case.

“We will investigate and rally other human right groups to work with us to ensure that justice is served.”

Shortly after Bello’s death, Lieutenant Colonel Ajemusu Jingina, the 7 Division’s deputy director of public relations, confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday, December 28, that the soldier had been detained and an investigation had commenced.

“Furthermore, engagement has been established with the National Union of Road Transport Workers towards a peaceful resolution. The division has assured both the family of the deceased and the union of its commitment towards ensuring that justice will be served and no stone will be left unturned.”

SHETTIMA LAWAN MONGUNO