The High Command of the Nigerian Army, has explained how troops deployed to control the nationwide protest killed one protester in Zaria, Kaduna State, albeit in error and that the errant officer had been taken in for investigation.
A statement by Director Army Public Relations, Maj Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, said that a 16-year-old boy, Ismail Mohammed, was hit by a warning shot fired to scare the hoodlums away, which unfortunately led to his death.
“Troops of the Nigerian Army received a distress call that some hoodlums gathered in Samaru in large numbers, burning tires on the road and pelting stones on security personnel. The troops immediately mobilised and arrived at the scene to disperse the mob and enforce the curfew imposed by the state government.
“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,” Nwachukwu explained.
The army spokesperson said the soldier involved has since been arrested and undergoing interrogation.
He noted that saddened by the unfortunate incident, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, 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.
He said the deceased has since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites with senior military officers of the Nigerian Army in attendance.
Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Michael Olugbode, Olawale Ajimotokan, Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Adedayo Akinwale, Ikechukwu Aleke, Segun Awofadeji, Seriki Adinoyi, Ahmad Sorondinki and Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
