According to Nivo News, an administrative officer at New Light Baptist Church in Abuja, John Bargo, has recounted how he was accidentally shot in the leg by two policemen, resulting in shattered bones, five surgeries, and medical expenses exceeding ₦30 million.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Bargo revealed that over six months after the incident, the Nigeria Police Force has remained silent, despite formal complaints filed with the Police Service Commission, the Inspector-General of Police, and the FCT Commissioner of Police.

“This is my cry for justice. I have undergone five surgeries and spent about ₦30 million. I am still on crutches, with one more procedure remaining,” Bargo said.

The incident occurred on April 23, 2025, when Bargo went outside the church to receive a parcel from Lagos and sat on a bench near the gate. Umar Saidu, a police officer posted to a nearby school, was beside him. Another officer assigned to the church, Sergeant Mohammed Ahmed, returned from lunch without his rifle, which had been locked in the guardroom.

According to Bargo, Ahmed grabbed Umar’s AK-47 rifle, cocked it, and disengaged the safety pin. When Umar placed the rifle on his lap with the muzzle pointing toward Bargo, Ahmed grabbed the gun again, and it discharged, striking Bargo below the knee and shattering his femur.

Immediately after the shooting, Ahmed fled the scene. Umar accompanied Bargo to FMC Jabi hospital, but he was later transferred to Cedarcrest Hospital, Apo, for multiple surgeries. Bargo said he spent one month hospitalized and underwent several surgeries due to complications.

The church suspended a major project to help cover his medical costs, raising over ₦10 million. In total, Bargo has spent about ₦30 million on treatment and continues to walk with crutches using an Ilizarov external fixator.

Bargo alleged that police authorities have not taken full responsibility. While some contributions were made by the Division Police Officer and the FCT Commissioner of Police, these amounts were far below his mounting medical bills. He also claimed that despite assurances of disciplinary action, the officers involved have been reinstated, and Umar has returned to duty.

Bargo expressed frustration at the lack of response from authorities and said he is considering appealing to social media, human rights organisations, and advocacy groups to seek justice and cover his medical expenses.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Ben Hundeyin, did not respond to requests for comment.