Killer Soldier: Atiku Lauds Army, Demands Probe Of Violence Against Hardship Protesters

Nigeria’s Former Vice-President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag-bearer in the 2023 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar has lauded the military authorities for owning up to the shooting and killing of a young protester in Zaria, Kaduna State.

This is as he also hailed the Nigerian Army for arresting the trigger-happy soldier, describing it as a step in the right direction.

Atiku stated this on Wednesday after the army said it had taken in the soldier for investigation to unravel the circumstances that led to the killing of the young boy.

Speaking against the backdrop of his altercation with the presidency over the security agencies’ handling of the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest, the PDP candidate said he was “heartened by the acknowledgement made by the Nigerian Army regarding the tragic incident that resulted in the loss of a young protester’s life.

“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.”

According to him; “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.”

The military had in a statement explained that the unnamed soldier is being detained for accidentally killing the young boy it claimed was part of a mob disturbing members of the public.

It further stated that the soldiers had responded to distress calls but while shooting into the air to disperse the mob, unfortunately killed one of them