How DSS accidental discharge got me political appointment – Victim
…..If the DSS officer had not shot me the governor may not have marked me for appointment
32-year-old Auwalu Hassan, in this interview with CHIMA AZUBUIKE, narrated his ordeal, on his bed with tag number 16 at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Gombe, following an incident which occured on Sunday 18th December 2022 where an operative of the Department of State Services in Bojude, shot his left leg during a campaign visit by the Governor Muhammadu Yahaya.
Tell us who you are? My name is Auwalu Hassan, from Bojude, I’m 32 years old, who makes a living through various legitimate means from business to farming and so on.
What happened to you? I was shot by an SSS personnel at the campaign ground. It was my left leg that was hit by the accidental discharge.The governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, came to Bojude for his campaign and I think it was one of the operatives that accompanied Governor in the campaign train with the purpose of providing security.
Why were shot out of the multitude during the campaign?
I don’t know, only the officer can explain that but it was said to be an accidental discharge that the officer didn’t do it intensionally but by mistake. I was unfortunate to have been caught unknowingly. Looking at me don’t I look responsible, peaceful and unassuming?
What brought you to the campaign ground?
I went to see the governor, I don’t know I will become a victim. I’m a member of All Progressives Congress (APC), a supporter of the Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration. So, my presence was for a peaceful one, it was just unfortunate. As a supporter it was a pleasure to have your leaders campaign in your neighbourhood, indeed I looked forward to the day that was allotted for the campaign train to berth in Kwami. I support the re-election bid of the governor, I have made up my mind to vote and to work for his emergence as a party man and a progressive.
Some have said that the Governor was booed, that was why the security opened fire? No, the governor was not booed, it was the gun shot that made youths to revolt saying they don’t want, they don’t want. However, prior to that time everything was peaceful. My friend and I were just walking that was when we heard sound of gun without knowing it my leg. We were not shouting, we were just walking as the governor was passing through. Kwami is one of the strong holds of the governor, no one will boo him because our people do not only like him, we have confidence in his administration and we are impressed with the quality of hard work he has display especially in tackling the issues affecting the people.
How did you feel when you realised it was your leg?
I felt pain, I was confused and out of pain I fell on the ground with pool of blood everywhere and panic in the air. Almost everyone gathered at the incident scene thereby competing attention of the campaign train. It was really discomforting. If you were in my shoes I’m sure you will feel worst, my body was weak, they had to look for the available ambulance to carry me and the other causality to Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe.
Did you go close to the Convoy?
No, we didn’t even go close to the car, how will I go close when there is security presence and so it will be foolish for anyone to tamper with the car that is heavily guarded. Like I earlier stated myself and my friend were together, we were not close to the Convoy or danger point.
So at what time of the campaign did this happen?
I don’t know the time it happened, but it was early part of the campaign train arrival to Bojude in Kwami Local Government Area that the sad occurrence took place. I can’t tell the least thing to do would be at that point would be to look at my phone for time or ask anyone with wrist watch for time but I can tell you it happened early in the day just about the time campaign was gathering steam.
What was the governor’s response to your plight?
The governor said they will treat me for free and that I should take it as fate. He directed that I should be provided best medical service at no cost. I also learnt that he has given me an appointment to assuage my pain. So far, I have been receiving free medical attention without charges and I’m grateful to God for that. I heard the governor also ordered the Immediate arrest of the officer and an investigation to reasons why he made the costly mistake.
Would you say you are satisfied at the handling of the unfortunate incident?
Yes, I’m very satisfied. If all that has been ordered and said would be carried out to the letter I will be most grateful from finding out the cause of the accidental discharge, to punishing the officer to the other promises then I’m have satisfied.
How do you feel about your latest appointment which is following your recent plight? I feel better that the governor has noticed me for an appointment, if this had not happened he may not have known that an Auwalu Hassan from Kwami Local Government Area of Gombe is a supporter of his administration and a card carrying member of All Progressives Congress APC. That may be God’s design for my life. I only but thank my leaders, my family members and the people of Gombe State.
Another Victim:
The victims are three while two narrated their experiences the other was still unconscious as at the time we visited the Accident and Emergency of FTH Gombe.
25- year-old Ibrahim Shuaibu, said he was on a bike when they were hit by the convoy on the same day.
What happened to you? I was on the bike when we were hit by the convoy.
What was your mission to the place? we were on bike, we came to welcome our governor, then something happened. A car in the convoy came and hit us.
How come you are in the hospital? We sustained various degrees of injuries at different parts of the body, three of us were brought here together with the person with gunshot wound. They brought us to the hospital with ambulance to receive urgent medical care.
Why did the convoy choose to hit your bike, did you participate in booing the governor? No, the governor was not booed as indicated by the media with the aid of the opposition. It happened before my very own eye.
