Overview of the Incident
On Tuesday, a tragedy occured during the ongoing protest in Zaria’s Samaru community, Kaduna State. Nigerian Army soldier fatally shot 16-year-old protester Ismail Mohammed. The Nigerian Army confirmed this tragic incident, highlighting it as an unfortunate reaction to a perceived threat. This occurred during a heated protest, where tensions escalated quickly.
Army’s Response and Investigation
Major General Onyeama Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, reported that the army responded to a distress call. The call concerned hoodlums allegedly attacking security personnel and causing disturbances. This prompted immediate military intervention to address the escalating situation. The intervention, however, tragically resulted in Mohammed’s death. Authorities have arrested and are currently interrogating the soldier responsible for the shooting.
Details of the Event
Upon arrival, the army’s troops met crowd aggression, prompting them to fire a warning shot to disperse the group. Regrettably, this action resulted in the death of the teenager. The army is conducting a full investigation to understand the circumstances leading to this tragic outcome.
Reaction from the Army Leadership
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, expressed deep regret over the incident. He has dispatched a high-ranking delegation to convey his condolences to the family of Ismail Mohammed. The army has affirmed its commitment to uphold the highest standards of conduct and accountability.
Police Statement on Protest Management
At a security meeting, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun stated that neither police nor military used live ammunition during protests. He emphasized that all involved security agencies refrained from excessive force, mainly employing non-lethal means. The primary method used was tear gas to manage the protests effectively.
National Security and Public Reaction
This incident has sparked significant public outcry and calls for a reevaluation of how security forces handle civil demonstrations. Human rights organizations and the public are closely monitoring the government’s response and ongoing investigations. This scrutiny highlights the tense balance between national security and citizens’ protest rights.
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