A tragic incident occurred in Kaduna State on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, as a soldier fatally shot a teenager, Isma’il Muhammad, during the enforcement of a 24-hour curfew in Zaria.
The curfew was imposed by the Kaduna State Government in response to violent protests in the region.
The 16-year-old Muhammad was reportedly shot inside his father’s house in the Samaru area of Zaria. According to Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, the soldier involved has been arrested and is currently undergoing interrogation. Major General Nwachukwu explained, “The incident happened when hoodlums blocked the road, setting fires, and brazenly attempted to attack the troops, prompting a soldier to fire a warning shot to scare the hoodlums away, which unfortunately led to the death of a 16-year-old boy, Isma’il Muhammad.”
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and sent a delegation led by Major General Lander Saraso, General Officer Commanding One Division, to visit and offer condolences to the deceased’s family.
The #EndBadGovernance protest, which began on Monday, escalated as hoodlums disguised as protesters looted government and private properties. Protesters, some waving Russian flags, expressed their frustration over the current hardship and hunger in the country.
In response to the unrest, Kaduna State officials imposed a curfew. Samuel Aruwan, Overseeing Commissioner of the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, stated that the curfew aimed to maintain peace and prevent further violence. He 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.”
Aruwan added, “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.”
As of Tuesday, our correspondents who went around town said the Sheikh Abubakar Gumi central market in Kaduna State capital was deserted due to the curfew. Shops, filling stations, and markets were also shut as of Tuesday.
