By Milcah Tanimu
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the shooting of a 16-year-old protester, Ismail Mohammed, during recent unrest in Zaria, Kaduna State. The incident occurred on August 6, 2024, as army troops intervened to address disturbances in the Samaru area.
Army spokesperson, Maj-Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, issued a statement detailing the events leading to the fatality. According to Nwachukwu, troops were deployed to disperse a large group of protesters who were burning tires and throwing stones at security personnel. The soldiers’ attempt to enforce a state-imposed curfew escalated when the crowd allegedly tried to attack them. In response, a soldier fired a warning shot, which tragically resulted in Mohammed’s death.
The soldier responsible has been arrested and is under investigation. Maj-Gen Nwachukwu also announced that a high-level military delegation, led by Maj-Gen Lander Saraso, visited the family of the deceased to offer condolences. The deceased was buried according to Islamic traditions, with senior military officials present at the ceremony.
