A heated dispute has erupted between the Bauchi State Government and the Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, over the recent killing of two charcoal sellers in Zaranda village, along Jos Road, Toro Local Government Area.

Buba had alleged that personnel of the State Agency for Vigilante and Youth Empowerment were responsible for the recent killings in Zaranda village, a claim the government has strongly condemned as baseless and inflammatory.

DAILY POST reports that the incident led to protests among residents of the village, who barricaded the Bauchi–Jos Federal Highway, disrupting the free flow of movement last week.

Our reporter gathered that the charcoal sellers were reportedly attacked by hunters for refusing to ‘settle’ them as they tried to ferry their charcoal from the bush to the village.

Speaking on the incident during a condolence visit to the families of the deceased, Senator Buba called on the relevant authorities to ensure justice is served.

He also vowed to take action for both the deceased and the injured victims.

“This killing is unfortunate,” Buba said. “Innocent people conducting their lawful businesses were attacked in Zaranda by a militia group led by one Shayi.”

However, the State Government, not pleased with Buba’s utterances, strongly condemned the viral video in which the Senator made the accusations.

In a reaction to the statement during a press conference, the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Abubakar Abdulhamid Bununu, described the Senator’s statement as “baseless, inflammatory, divisive, and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of the State Government and its security agencies.”

According to him, “The Senator’s reckless allegations are unacceptable and have the potential to compromise the State’s security, undermine the efforts of law enforcement agencies, and create unnecessary tension among the citizens.”

He said that the State Government takes the security and well-being of its citizens seriously and will not tolerate any individual or group spreading false information or making baseless allegations that threaten the peace and stability of the state.

“The Bauchi State Government is committed to ensuring justice and accountability for the Zaranda killings and has initiated a thorough investigation into the incident,” Bununu reassured.

He urged the Senator to retract his statement and apologize to the people of Bauchi State for his irresponsible and misleading comments.

“The Senator’s actions are a clear example of politicizing security issues, which is unacceptable and detrimental to the well-being of our citizens,” he added.

The Commissioner also called on security agencies to invite Senator Shehu Buba Umar for clarifications on his statement, adding that as a public figure, he should be objective and responsible in his utterances.