The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of a 16-year-old boy, Ismail Mohammed, during a protest in Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State on Tuesday. The incident occurred when soldiers responded to reports of unrest in the area.
According to a statement by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, troops were deployed after receiving a distress call about “hoodlums gathering and burning tyres.” The situation escalated when protesters allegedly attempted to attack the soldiers.
“A soldier [fired] a warning shot to scare the hoodlums away,” Nwachukwu stated. This warning shot tragically resulted in Mohammed’s death.
The army spokesperson confirmed that the soldier responsible has been arrested and is currently under interrogation.
In response to the incident, Chief of Army Staff Taoreed Lagbaja dispatched a delegation led by Major General Lander Saraso, General Officer Commanding 1 Division, to meet with and offer condolences to Mohammed’s family.
The young victim was laid to rest following Islamic rites, with senior military officers in attendance.
This shooting comes amidst ongoing nationwide protests against government policies, including the removal of fuel subsidies. The incident has reignited concerns about the use of force by security personnel during demonstrations.
The Explainer reported that the Kaduna State Government had imposed a 24-hour curfew on Kaduna and Zaria cities on Monday due to escalating violence. Tuesday’s protest, which led to Mohammed’s death, occurred despite this curfew being in place.
