An incident unfolded in Samaru, Zaria, when a Nigerian Army soldier inadvertently caused the death of a 16-year-old boy, Ismail Mohammed, during a response to a distress call.
According to Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, the troops had been deployed to disperse a large group of individuals who were burning tires and throwing stones at security personnel, in violation of a state-imposed curfew.
Nwachukwu said upon their arrival, the soldiers encountered hostility from the crowd, prompting one soldier to discharge a warning shot. Unfortunately, the shot struck Mohammed, resulting in his death.
He confirmed that the soldier responsible has been arrested and is currently undergoing interrogation.
In the aftermath of the incident, Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja extended his condolences and dispatched a delegation led by Maj Gen Lander Saraso, General Officer Commanding 1 Division, to visit the family of the deceased.
The funeral was held according to Islamic rites, with senior military officers present.
The Nigerian Army has committed to a comprehensive investigation into the incident to ensure accountability and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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