Army Confirms Killing of 16-Year-Old Protester in Zaria

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of a 16-year-old protester in Zaria, Kaduna State. Army spokesperson Maj-Gen Onyema Nwachukwu issued a statement on Wednesday, August 7, detailing the tragic incident.

According to the statement, the fatality occurred on August 6, 2024, when troops were deployed to address a situation in Samaru, a suburb of Zaria. The area had seen large groups of protesters burning tires and throwing stones at security personnel. The army mobilized to disperse the crowd and enforce the state-imposed curfew.

Nwachukwu’s statement explains that upon arriving at the scene, troops were met with aggressive behavior from the protesters, leading a soldier to fire a warning shot. Tragically, this shot resulted in the death of Ismail Mohammed, a 16-year-old boy.

The soldier involved has been detained and is currently under investigation.

In response to the incident, Chief of Army Staff Lt-Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja has dispatched a high-powered delegation, led by General Officer Commanding 1 Division Maj-Gen Lander Saraso, to express condolences to the deceased’s family. The burial of Ismail Mohammed was conducted according to Islamic rites, with senior military officials present.