The tragic death of a teenage boy, Ismail Mohammed, in Zaria, Kaduna State, on Tuesday has ignited widespread anger among residents and raised pressing questions about the circumstances leading to his death.
Ismail, who was only a teenager, lost his life in an incident that has drawn both local and national attention.
According to Ismail’s mother, Zainab Sani, the fatal shooting occurred around 9:00 a.m. outside their home on Sarkin Pawa Street, Samaru, Zaria. Zainab recounted that Ismail, along with his friends and younger brother, was playing near the house when they noticed soldiers approaching.
In a bid to avoid any confrontation, the boys reportedly ran into their home and shut the gate. However, the situation took a tragic turn when one of the soldiers allegedly fired at the gate, striking Ismail, who was standing by the entrance to prevent the soldiers from coming in.
This account has left the community in shock, with many residents questioning how a young boy, recently graduated from secondary school and planning to further his education, could be killed so senselessly.
A video circulating online adds to the controversy, showing Ismail’s body lying in an open space, a few meters away from the gates of nearby buildings, which has led to further confusion about where the shooting actually took place.
In response to the growing outcry, the Nigerian Army has promised a full investigation into the incident. Major-General Lander Saraso, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 1st Division, visited Ismail’s family to offer condolences and assured the community that justice would be pursued. He invited anyone with credible evidence regarding the incident to come forward to aid the investigation.
Meanwhile, the soldier involved in the shooting has been arrested and is currently undergoing interrogation, according to a statement by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations.
Nwachukwu stated that the tragedy occurred when soldiers were dealing with hoodlums who had blocked the road and were attempting to attack the troops. A warning shot was fired, which inadvertently led to Ismail’s death.
The Zaria community is now demanding transparency and accountability, as they mourn the loss of a young life cut short. The incident occurred amid a 24-hour curfew imposed by the Kaduna State Government in response to violent protests in Zaria and Kaduna. The curfew, announced by the State Security Council, was intended to curb further violence and maintain order in the region.
Major-General Saraso has urged the community to remain peaceful and law-abiding, while also promising that the investigation will be thorough, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
Saraso said; “There is sufficient evidence to clearly indicate that the ongoing protest has been hijacked by criminal elements who have resorted to looting of shops and destruction of private and public property,” he said.
“In view of this unfortunate development, the Kaduna State Security Council has unanimously resolved to impose a 24-hour curfew on Kaduna and Zaria Metropolises and environs with immediate effect.
“Citizens are advised to remain indoors while security forces continue to work to maintain safety and security. Monitoring will be sustained for review of the curfew as required.”
