How policemen allegedly killed two unarmed teenagers, injure three others in Katsina

The alleged killing of two teenagers by the police has sent residents of Tudun Matawalle, Sabuwar Unguwa, in Katsina metropolis into panic mode.

Apart from the two youths who have died, residents told PREMIUM TIMES that three other youths are being treated at two medical facilities for injuries sustained during the incident.

The youth was allegedly killed by a policeman allegedly from the Sabon Gari Divisional Police Station on Sunday.

Residents told PREMIUM TIMES that the police raided a wedding party where a disc jockey was entertaining family and friends of the bride and groom.

Yusuf Ahmed – Rufai, whose son, Jawwad Yusuf, was one of the two teenagers who died, told PREMIUM TIMES that the deceased died while returning from Islamic school in the evening.

“My son was returning from school when he was hit by a bullet that took his life. I wasn’t there, but I was told there was an event in the area.

“A policeman and some members of the vigilante in the area tried to prevent the event, for which we do not know why until now, because there is no law prohibiting it. The children there, however, insisted, because they did not do anything illegal, he will continue the show.

“The police then started shooting because I was told the boys were shouting and calling their names. At that time, my son, among some students came back from school and was hit by a bullet,” said Mr. Ahmed – Rufai.

He said his son, Jawwad, was shot along with the Almajiri boy. And they both died.

Mr. Ahmed – Rufai said when he arrived Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsinathe doctor pulled him aside and told him there was still a bullet in his son’s stomach.

“The doctor told me that my son was taken to the hospital after he was shot by the police and the bullet is still in his stomach. He (medical doctor) tried to save him but it was too late because the children were first taken to the Katsina General Hospital but they were rejected there. So, it was too late when he was taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital and when I saw him on the bed, I knew he was not going to make it because he had lost a lot of blood,” he said.

He said the Regional Commander had contacted the family with the assurance that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

How I was taken

Abduljamiu Yusuf, another victim who is still in hospital told PREMIUM TIMES he was accidentally caught in the shooting because he was at his family home when the riots started.

He was shot in the right hand. A bullet cut off one finger.

“I went out to return a bucket that a friend had borrowed when a bullet hit me. I saw a police car in the area and before I knew it, there was a bullet in my hand.

“I rushed towards the policeman who I believe shot me, crying, but he signaled me to stop or he will shoot me again,” said Mr. Yusuf.

Musa Ali, the head teacher of Almajiri school said that one of his students, aged nine, was killed in the shooting.

He did not give further details to PREMIUM TIMES because he said he needed to speak to the parents of the deceased teenager first.

Another resident, Umma Abdullahi, said she was the first person to see the teenager after the shooting.

“I was preparing for evening prayer when my son ran into the house shouting that the police shot someone. I ran out of my house, in front of the door, I saw two boys lying helpless with blood coming out of their bodies. The other (Almajiri) was dead, because he was not moving while the other child was still breathing,” he said.

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Two of the victims are currently at the Amadi Rimi Orthopedic and General Specialist Hospital while the other is at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Katsina.

Police on crime-explosive patrol

Police spokesman in Katsina state, Gambo Isa, said the police were on crime patrol when the accident happened.

“Well, it really happened. We received reports that the incident took place when a team of police and security agents raided a criminal hideout to arrest the criminals but there was an event around the place. The security agents who went with our men also fired shots,” Mr. Isa told Alfijir Radio, a local radio station in Katsina.

“But what happened when the security officers stormed the place, one of the criminals tried to grab the gun from the police, which caused the gun to fire and cut the criminal’s finger,” he said.

Mr. Isa, the superintendent, said this morning, he heard that a nine-year-old boy was also hit by a bullet.

“What we are investigating now is to determine who shot. What the police said is that one bullet and the criminal who shook the gun with him caused it, so we want to find out how many bullets were fired from the gun. We are also checking whether the bullet from other security agents who were also there to arrest him,” he said.