A soldier killed a 16-year-old boy during the #EndBadGovernance protest in Zaria, Kaduna State, leading to his arrest. The curfew was imposed following violent protests, and the army has pledged a thorough investigation. The Chief of Army Staff expressed condolences to the victim's family.
A tragic incident occurred during the #EndBadGovernance protest in Kaduna State when a soldier shot and killed a 16-year-old boy, Isma’il Muhammad, in Zaria. The teenager was inside his father's house when the shooting happened amidst the enforcement of a 24-hour curfew imposed by the Kaduna State Government due to violent protests.
The Army's Public Relations Director, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, confirmed the soldier's arrest and ongoing interrogation. According to Nwachukwu, the soldier fired a warning shot to disperse hoodlums blocking the road and setting fires, but the bullet struck and killed Muhammad.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and dispatched a delegation led by Major General Lander Saraso to visit and sympathize with Muhammad's family.
The curfew was implemented after hoodlums disguised as protesters began looting government and private properties. The situation escalated on Monday, with some protesters carrying Russian flags to express their frustration over the nation's hardships.
As a result of the curfew, Kaduna's Sheikh Abubakar Gumi central market and other commercial establishments were deserted on Tuesday. The state's Overseeing Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, stated that the curfew aims to restore peace and prevent further looting and destruction.
Governor Uba Sani declared the curfew after consulting with the State Security Council, emphasizing the need to safeguard public and private properties from criminal elements hijacking the protest. Citizens were advised to stay indoors while security forces worked to maintain order, with the situation under continuous review for potential adjustments to the curfew.
