How a Peacekeeper Was Killed by Accidental Discharge in Abuja, Sparking Unrest

A tragic incident occurred last Friday at Tipper Garage Junction in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) when a police officer’s accidental discharge killed a young man attempting to mediate a dispute. The shooting led to a riot, with enraged residents setting a vehicle ablaze.

The victim, 26-year-old Musa Sahada, a resident of Unguwar Gade, was on his way to buy something when he came across a friend arguing with suspected internet fraudsters, commonly known as “yahoo boys,” in front of a supermarket. The altercation had started when the suspects accused a motorcyclist of obstructing their vehicle. Musa intervened to prevent his friend from fighting, but tensions escalated, drawing a large crowd.

A police officer stationed at the supermarket stepped in to restore order. Amid the commotion, his gun discharged, and a bullet struck Musa in the head, killing him instantly. Witnesses reported that the officer had intended to fire into the air to disperse the crowd, but the shot went off unexpectedly.

Following the shooting, anger boiled over as Musa’s friends and other residents from Unguwar Gade and Unguwar Kayarda mobilized and set fire to a vehicle belonging to the suspected yahoo boys. Security forces, including the military and additional police units, were later deployed to restore order, while the suspects fled the scene.

Some witnesses suggested that the officer’s gun might have been triggered accidentally during the scuffle. A relative of the deceased, Mohammed Nuhu, confirmed the incident, lamenting that Musa lost his life while trying to keep the peace. His remains have since been buried.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Rilwan Olatunji Disu, confirmed that the officer responsible is in custody and that an investigation is underway.