In a harrowing tale of negligence, impunity, and abandonment, two Nigerian police officers have come under fire—figuratively—for the literal shooting of an unarmed church worker, John Bargo, at the Baptist Church in Kaura District, Abuja. The April 23 incident, born out of recklessness and casual disregard for firearm safety, has left Bargo battling for his life and footing a medical bill of over ₦5 million, with no formal accountability in sight.
According to eyewitnesses, Bargo, a dedicated staff member of the church, was seated peacefully outside the premises, awaiting delivery of a guitar he had ordered. He sat beside Officer Umar, who had been posted to the church for routine security. Just across the road, another officer, Ahmed, was stationed at a nearby school.
What started as what appeared to be playful interaction between the two officers swiftly descended into chaos.
“Ahmed crossed the street and yanked Umar’s rifle in what looked like horseplay,” recounted a witness, Beevan Magoni. “It started out as a joke, but Ahmed went as far as cocking the rifle and releasing the safety catch. That’s when everything turned deadly serious.”
A brief scuffle followed as Officer Umar managed to retrieve the weapon, but in a dangerous oversight, failed to clear the chamber—leaving a live round in the rifle.
Tragically, minutes later, Ahmed returned, again seizing the rifle in a continuation of the dangerous antics. In a moment of reckless bravado, he reportedly pointed the weapon toward Bargo and exclaimed, “That’s not how to do it,” before pulling the trigger.
A shot rang out.
John Bargo slumped immediately, blood pouring from his body, his face a mask of agony and disbelief. He had been shot at point-blank range—an innocent bystander caught in a preventable tragedy.
What followed has only added salt to the deep wound. Rather than taking responsibility, Officer Ahmed allegedly disappeared in the aftermath, while Officer Umar quietly resumed his duty post without so much as an official inquiry. No press statement. No suspension. No disciplinary action.
Bargo was rushed to the hospital where he underwent emergency surgery. The Baptist Church, reeling from shock, was forced to shelve an ongoing development project and raise over ₦5 million to fund the life-saving procedure.
“The incident was traumatic enough, but what has been more devastating is the complete lack of accountability,” said Magoni. “There’s been no formal investigation, no charges filed, and no assistance offered to the victim. We’ve been left to bear the burden alone.”
As of now, Bargo remains in recovery, with a long and uncertain journey ahead. Meanwhile, the officers involved continue their duties as if nothing ever happened.
This incident raises urgent questions about firearm discipline among security personnel and the glaring gaps in police accountability. How many more innocent Nigerians must suffer before meaningful reforms are implemented?
For now, John Bargo’s story stands as a chilling reminder: in Nigeria, even a routine day outside a church can turn into a life-altering nightmare—with no justice in sight.
PIONEER NEWS 