Sundiata Post – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has commended the Nigerian Army for admitting that a soldier accidentally killed a 16-year-old boy, Ismail Mohammed, in Samaru, Kaduna State.
In a statement, the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu explained that on Tuesday, August 6, troops responded to a distress call of some hoodlums gathered in Samaru in large numbers, burning tyres on the road and pelting stones at security personnel.
He said that while responding to the distress call, to disperse the mob and enforce the curfew imposed by the state government, hoodlums attempted to attack the troops which forced a soldier to release a warning shot that hit and killed the 16-year-old Mohammed.
“I am heartened by the acknowledgement made by the Nigerian Army regarding the tragic incident that resulted in the loss of a young protester’s life.
“I also urge for thorough investigations into other instances of violence perpetrated by the military, police, and other security agencies during these protests, in the spirit of accountability.
“The decision to detain the soldier responsible for this unfortunate incident marks a commendable step towards accountability and preserving the rule of law.
“I have consistently advised the service chiefs and military commanders that the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters must not be authorized. Upholding the principle of accountability is paramount, and the actions taken by the Nigerian Army in apprehending and, hopefully, prosecuting the soldier responsible for this incident align with this fundamental principle.
“Even amidst conflicts, it is crucial to adhere to rules of engagement. Soldiers should not be deployed to suppress civil rights protests,” he said.
