By Victor Akaa.
A sombre mood has settled over Zaria following the unfortunate death of a 16-year-old protester, Ismail Mohammed, at the hands of a soldier on August 6, 2024.
Major General Onyema Nwachukwu Director of Army Public Relations revealed this in a statement on Wednesday said the incident occurred when Nigerian Army troops responded to a distress call about a large gathering of hoodlums in Samaru, who were burning tyres and pelting stones at security personnel.
Upon arrival, the troops were met with a brazen attack by the hoodlums, prompting a soldier to fire a warning shot in an attempt to disperse the crowd.
Regrettably, the shot resulted in the fatal injury and subsequent death of the young protester.
The soldier involved has been taken into custody and is currently undergoing interrogation. The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has expressed deep sorrow over the incident and dispatched a high-powered delegation, led by Major General Lander Saraso, to offer condolences to the family of the deceased.
In a show of respect, senior military officers attended the burial of Ismail Mohammed, which was conducted according to Islamic rites.
According to the statement, the Nigerian Army has assured a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
