From Yakubu Mustapha Minna
The Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago and the Shiroro local government chairman, Akilu Isyaku Kuta have disagreed over the cause of the military helicopter crash in the state.
The host community where the crash occurred and chairman of Shiroro local government, Akilu Isyaku Kuta in an interview with newsmen after the incident confirmed that the helicopter was shot down by the suspected bandits in that particular community.
Akilu Kuta further revealed that the Boko Haram sect have currently installed their flag again at Angwan Madaki in his local government area, adding that bandits urged the residents not to leave as their security is guaranteed in the community.
Apparently, governor Mohammed Umar Bago on the other hand in an interview with International Radio in Hausa as monitored, stated that the military helicopter was involved in an accident and dismissed the public concept that it was shot by the alleged bandits in that particular community.
Bago reassured his administration’s determination in giving required support to the Nigerian military for effective and efficient operations in the state.
This is contrary to what the community people who were eye witnesses said about the incident.
The claimed they heard the gun shots that eventually led to the crash of the said helicopter that conveyed the slain military officers.
A video clip in circulation on the social media from the the alleged bandits leader Dogo Gede in the community admitted that they were behind the crash of the military helicopter, adding that the said helicopter was shot by their group.
Meanwhile, the military authority has continued to remain adamant and very silence in confirming the total number of the military personnel killed.
Also, they have not disclosed the major cause of the crash.