The Nigerian Army detained a soldier responsible for the death of 16-year-old Ismail Mohammed during an attempt to control hoodlums in Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State, on Tuesday.
This information was shared in a statement by Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to Nwachukwu, the troops responded to a distress call about hoodlums causing chaos in Samaru, Zaria. The hoodlums were reportedly burning tyres and throwing stones at security personnel.
Upon arrival, the troops faced an aggressive mob. In an attempt to disperse them and enforce the state-imposed curfew, a soldier fired a warning shot, which tragically resulted in the death of Ismail Mohammed.
The soldier involved has been arrested and is currently undergoing interrogation.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, expressed his sorrow over the incident. He has dispatched a high-level delegation, led by Maj.-Gen. Lander Saraso, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, to visit and offer condolences to the deceased’s family.
Ismail Mohammed was buried according to Islamic rites, with senior military officers in attendance.