The #EndBadGovernance protest in Kaduna State took a tragic turn on Tuesday when a teenager was killed by a soldier in the Samaru area of Zaria.
The 16-year-old boy, Isma’il Muhammad, was reportedly shot inside his father’s house while security operatives were enforcing a 24-hour curfew imposed by the Kaduna State Government following violent protests in Zaria and Kaduna on Monday.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, confirmed the incident in a statement, revealing that the soldier involved has been arrested and is currently undergoing interrogation.
According to Major General Nwachukwu, the incident occurred when hoodlums blocked the road, set fires, and attempted to attack the troops. A soldier fired a warning shot to disperse the crowd, which tragically resulted in the death of Isma’il Muhammad.
In response to the incident, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja, dispatched a delegation led by Major General Lander Saraso, General Officer Commanding 1 Division, to visit and commiserate with the deceased’s family.
The curfew in Kaduna and Zaria was imposed by the state government in an effort to restore order following the protests, which had been marred by violence and looting. Hoodlums posing as protesters took advantage of the situation to loot government and private properties. Some protesters were seen carrying and waving Russian flags as they expressed their frustration over the current economic hardships and hunger in the country.
On Tuesday, correspondents reported that the Sheikh Abubakar Gumi Central Market in the Kaduna State capital was deserted due to the curfew. Shops, filling stations, and markets were also closed.
On Monday, Samuel Aruwan, the Overseeing Commissioner of the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, stated that the curfew was implemented in the interest of peace. He explained that Governor Senator Uba Sani declared the curfew following a meeting with the State Security Council.
The situation remains tense as authorities work to maintain order and prevent further violence.
