The Samaru community in Soba Local Government Area of Kaduna State is grieving the loss of 16-year-old Ismail Muhammad, who was allegedly shot and killed by soldiers on the first day of the nationwide hunger protest. Ismail, a Junior Secondary School 3 student and aspiring fashion designer, was shot in the throat and back while standing inside his family’s compound in Samaru, a suburb of Zaria.
Muhammad Abubakar, the elder brother of the deceased, recounted the tragic incident. According to Abubakar, they were outside with neighbors when they noticed soldiers in the area. Everyone ran indoors, but moments later, gunshots rang out. Abubakar discovered his brother lying in a pool of blood, his life cut short by a soldier’s bullet.
In shock and despair, Abubakar attempted to rush Ismail to the hospital but was hindered by soldiers, forcing him to abandon his brother’s body. Ismail’s family insists that he was not involved in the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest and are calling on the government to ensure justice for the innocent teenager.
The Emir of Zaria, Alhaji Nuhu Bamalli, visited the grieving family and expressed his condolences. He urged the community to work with security forces to prevent further violence and commended the Nigerian Army for launching an inquiry into the incident, with the hope that justice will be served for Ismail and his family. The tragic event has left the community in mourning, highlighting the ongoing tension and challenges in the region.
