In the community of Samaru in Zaria, Kaduna State, a 16-year-old protester participating in the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement was reportedly shot and killed by a soldier from the Nigerian Army.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyeama Nwachukwu, confirmed the incident in a statement titled “Unfortunate death of a protester by a soldier in Zaria,” identifying the victim as Ismail Mohammed.
According to Nwachukwu, the soldier fired a warning shot after receiving a distress call on Tuesday to disperse a group of hoodlums in Samaru, who were setting fires and attacking security personnel. The confrontation resulted in the tragic death of Mohammed, leading to the arrest of the involved soldier for questioning.
Describing the sequence of events, Nwachukwu disclosed, “On August 6, 2024, the Nigerian Army responded to reports of hoodlums gathering in Samaru, engaging in violent activities. Upon arrival, the troops encountered hostility from the mob, prompting the warning shot that unfortunately claimed the life of Ismail Mohammed.”
In response to the incident, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, dispatched a delegation headed by Maj Gen Lander Saraso, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, to express condolences and support to the bereaved family.
The statement also mentioned that the burial of the deceased was conducted in accordance with Islamic customs, with the presence of senior military officials from the Nigerian Army.