Nigerian Army Investigates Death of 18-Year-Old Boy Allegedly Shot by Soldier
The Nigerian Army has launched an investigation into the death of an 18-year-old boy, Isma’il Muhammad, who was allegedly shot by a soldier on patrol in Samaru, Zaria.
According to reports, the incident occurred around 9:00 a.m. at the family’s residence on Sarkin Pawa Street, Samaru, Zaria. Isma’il’s mother, Zainab Sani, alleged that a trigger-happy soldier on patrol shot her son, who had just written his final secondary school examination and was seeking admission to further his education.
Maj.-Gen. MLD Saraso, the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, disclosed this when he visited the family of the deceased in Zaria on Tuesday. The GOC later addressed youths in the area, saying that he was in Zaria to commiserate with the family and the community over the incident.
Isma’il’s mother said that her son was playing with his friends and brother in front of their house when they saw soldiers coming in their direction. With one of the soldiers pointing his gun at them, they ran into the house and shut the gate. However, the soldier allegedly shot at the gate, killing Isma’il, who stood by the gate to prevent the soldiers from gaining entrance.
The GOC assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted on the matter and invited any community member with substantive evidence to forward the same for necessary action. He also urged the community to live in peace and always abide by the law and order.
This incident highlights the need for improved relationships between the military and the civilian population in Nigeria. The Nigerian Army’s commitment to investigating the matter is a positive step towards ensuring justice and accountability.
The deceased’s family and the community are waiting with bated breath for the outcome of the investigation and the necessary actions that will be taken to ensure that such a tragedy does not recur in the future.
Sources:
- Nigerian Army statement
- Zainab Sani, Isma’il’s mother
