The Nigerian Army has confirmed the tragic death of a young protester in Zaria, Kaduna state, on August 6. According to a statement from the Director of Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, soldiers were called to Samaru after a group of people were seen burning tyres and throwing stones at security personnel. The troops were deployed to clear the area and enforce the curfew set by the State Government.

Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, has expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He has sent a high-ranking delegation led by Maj Gen Lander Saraso to offer condolences to the deceased’s family.

A statement released by the Director, Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, today August 7,

‘’On arrival at the scene, the hoodlums brazenly attempted attacking the troops prompting a soldier to fire a warning shot to scare the hoodlums away, which unfortunately led to the death of a 16 year old boy Ismail Mohammed. The soldier involved has since been arrested and undergoing interrogation as at the time of this report.”

The protester has been buried following Islamic traditions, with senior military officers attending the ceremony.