THE #EndBadGovernance protest in Kaduna State turned violent yesterday after a soldier fatally shot a teenager in the Samaru area of Zaria.
The victim, 16-year-old Isma’il Muhammad, was reportedly shot inside his father’s home while security forces were enforcing a 24-hour curfew imposed by the Kaduna State Government in response to violent protests that erupted in Zaria and Kaduna on Monday.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, confirmed the incident, stating that the soldier involved has been arrested and is currently being interrogated.
He explained that the shooting occurred when a group of hoodlums blocked the road, set fires, and attempted to attack the troops, prompting a soldier to fire a warning shot that tragically resulted in the death of Isma’il Muhammad.
In response to the incident, Chief of Army Staff Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja dispatched a delegation led by Major General Lander Saraso, the General Officer Commanding One Division, to offer condolences to the family of the deceased.
This tragic event follows the curfew that was imposed on the Kaduna and Zaria areas by the state government.
The #EndBadGovernance protest on Monday, took a disturbing turn when individuals disguised as protesters began looting both government and private properties.
Some protesters were also seen holding the Russian flag as they expressed their frustrations over the current hardships and hunger facing the country.
As yesterday, reports indicated that the Sheikh Abubakar Gumi Central Market in Kaduna was deserted due to the curfew, with shops, filling stations, and markets closed.
The Overseeing Commissioner of the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, stated on Monday that the curfew was implemented for the sake of peace.
He noted that Governor Senator Uba Sani declared the curfew following a meeting with the State Security Council.
“There is clear evidence that the ongoing protest has been taken over by criminal elements engaging in looting and destruction of property,” he said.
“In light of this unfortunate situation, the Kaduna State Security Council has unanimously decided to impose a 24-hour curfew on Kaduna and Zaria Metropolises and surrounding areas, effective immediately. Citizens are advised to stay indoors while security forces work to ensure safety and security. Monitoring will continue to assess the necessity of the curfew.”
