Residents of the Barnawa area in Kaduna metropolis staged a protest on Monday over the alleged killing of a young man by a joint security team.
Gatekeepers News reports that the incident, which occurred when security operatives raided the area in pursuit of a suspected drug dealer, sparked widespread anger and prompted the closure of popular social spots in the neighbourhood.
According to eyewitnesses, the victim was shot by a security officer who was chasing a suspect when the tragedy occurred near a busy junction in Barnawa market.
“We were all here when they chased somebody. They were shouting at him to stop. Then one of them fired a shot, and it hit a completely different person who was just passing by. That boy had nothing to do with the matter. He was innocent,” an unnamed protester said.
The identity of the victim has not been officially released, but residents described him as a “quiet and hardworking young man” who lived within the Barnawa neighbourhood.
The protest, which disrupted vehicular movement and forced many business owners to shut their shops, was marked by the burning of tyres and chanting of slogans. The protesters vowed not to leave until justice was served.
“We are tired of security agents killing our brothers and sisters over nothing. They always say they are chasing criminals, but innocent people end up dying. We want the government to take action. This must not be swept under the carpet,” a female protester said.
The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that the victim was hit by a stray bullet when security operatives raided some black spots in the Barnawa area.
The command’s spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, had ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident.
