Soldier detained for shooting teenager amidst protest in Kaduna

The Nigerian Army has detained a soldier involved in the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old boy, Ismail Mohammed, during efforts to control unrest in Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State.

This incident occurred as troops responded to a distress call about hoodlums causing chaos in the area.

According to a statement from the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the troops were alerted to a large gathering of individuals in Samaru who were burning tires and throwing stones at security personnel. In response, the army mobilized to the scene to disperse the crowd and enforce the curfew imposed by the state government.

The tragic incident highlights the challenges faced by security forces in maintaining order amidst growing tensions and unrest in the region. The army has promised a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure accountability and justice for the family of the deceased.

“On arrival at the scene, the hoodlums brazenly attempted attacking the troops, prompting a soldier to fire a warning shot to scare the hoodlums away, which unfortunately led to the death of a 16-year-old boy, Ismail Mohammed.

“The soldier involved has since been arrested and undergoing interrogation as of the time of this report,” he said.

Nwachukwu said the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja was saddened by the unfortunate incident.

He said the COAS had sent a high-powered delegation led by the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Maj.-Gen. Lander Saraso, to visit and condole with the family of the deceased.

According to him, the deceased was buried according to Islamic rites, with senior military officers of the Nigerian army in attendance. (NAN)