In a devastating turn of events, the Nigerian Army has acknowledged the unintentional killing of 16-year-old Ismail Mohammed during the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest in Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State, on August 6, 2024.
The Army’s Director of Public Relations, Major General Onyeama Nwachukwu, released a statement detailing the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
According to Nwachukwu, soldiers responded to a distress call to disperse a group of hooligans who had gathered in Samaru, setting fire to tyres and attacking security personnel.
In an attempt to scare the hooligans away, a soldier fired a warning shot, which regrettably resulted in Mohammed’s death.
The Nigerian Army has taken swift action, apprehending the soldier responsible and launching an investigation into the incident.
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A high-powered delegation, led by the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Maj Gen Lander Saraso, has been sent to condole with the deceased’s family and offer support during this difficult time.
In a related development, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has denied allegations of excessive force and live ammunition usage by security agencies during the protest.
Egbetokun described such claims as “fake news” and emphasized that security personnel had exercised restraint, despite facing attacks from protesters.
The Nigerian Army’s prompt acknowledgment and response to the incident demonstrate a commitment to transparency and accountability.
As the investigation unfolds, the nation mourns the loss of a young life and calls for peaceful resolution to the ongoing protests.
