‘Soldiers shouldn’t be deployed to suppress protests’ – Atiku reacts to killing of Kaduna teenager

Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, has warned the Federal Government to desist from deploying soldiers to “suppress” civil unrest.

Atiku said this, following the killing of a 16-year-old teenager by a trigger-happy soldier in Zaria, Kaduna State, during a state-wide curfew imposed by the government.

There have been allegations of the use of live ammunition by security operatives against protesters during the #EndBadGovernance protest, which commenced on August 1.

Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army Spokesperson, said soldiers were deployed to enforce the 24-hour curfew imposed on Kaduna and Zaria metropolises following reports of violence during the protest.

He said the soldiers were attacked by some hoodlums who were throwing stones at security personnel and burning tyres despite the curfew in the Samaru area of Zaria.

He added that the soldier fired a warning shot in a bid to disperse the protesters but accidentally killed the boy.

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, called for an investigation into the conduct of police and Nigerian army during the protests. He, praised the arrest of the soldier, saying it is a step towards accountability.

“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,” Abubakar wrote on X.

“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.”