A yet-to-be young boy was hit by a stray bullet from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) officers during the #EndBadGovernance in the Federal Capital Territory.
The incident happened on
Saturday being the third day of the protest.
The incident took place near Zenith Bank in Kubwa, Abuja.
According to reports, the boy, who was not involved in the protests, was simply passing by when he was shot at close range.
Witnesses confirmed that the shooting was not related to any participation in the demonstrations.
Activist and lawyer Barr. Deji Adeyanju denounced the incident as an “unprovoked murder,” criticizing Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and his officers.
Adeyanju called for accountability, asserting that the officers responsible for the boy’s death should be held to account for their actions.
The protests, which began on Thursday, saw Nigerians taking to the streets to express their frustration with soaring inflation, high food prices, and economic challenges exacerbated by current government policies and reforms. The demonstrators, rallying under the #EndBadGovernance banner, are demanding a reduction in petrol pump prices to N200 per litre, an end to insecurity, the closure of IDP camps, and electoral reforms, among other issues.
While the protests started peacefully, they have turned violent in several cities, leading to clashes between police and protesters.
Reports indicate that at least 17 people have been killed in various states, including Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa. One person was shot dead in both Abuja and Kano, two were killed in Jigawa, six in Niger, four in Borno, and three in Kaduna.
