A tragic incident unfolded in the Abakwa community of Kaduna North Local Government Area on Tuesday, as a 12-year-old boy, Abubakar Muhammad, was fatally struck by a projectile fired from a locally-made firearm (Dane gun).
The tragic event occurred around 8:30 a.m., sending shockwaves through the quiet neighborhood. Residents reported hearing a loud bang, initially suspected to be an explosion, shortly before young Abubakar was hit and died on the spot just moments after stepping out of his home.
His father, identified simply as Muhammad, spoke with this reporter in grief: “I didn’t know what happened or who fired the shot. I only received a distress call, and by the time I got to the scene, my son was already gone. I pray Allah grants him paradise and that the security agencies find out who is responsible.”
Eyewitnesses described the sound as similar to that of a local gunshot. In addition to Abubakar’s death, a woman sustained injuries and several children suffered bruises during the incident, further heightening panic in the area.
Police arrived swiftly to investigate, initially responding to reports of a suspected explosion in the Josawa Road area of Abakwa. However, further examination ruled out an explosion.
Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed that the blast-like sound came from a locally-made firearm and not from any explosive device.
“In response to the distress call, officers led by the Divisional Police Officer of Kawo Division were deployed to the scene. Unfortunately, a 12-year-old boy lost his life, while seven others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment,” Hassan said.
He added that the Commissioner of Police, the Garrison Commander, the State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Chairman of Kaduna North Local Government had all visited the site for a detailed assessment.
“Contrary to earlier reports, preliminary investigations by the Police Anti-Bomb Squad confirmed that it was not an explosion. Instead, a Dane gun was discharged, which tragically killed the young boy,” Hassan stated.
He assured that a full investigation is underway to uncover the circumstances leading to the firearm’s discharge and identify those responsible. The command also extended its condolences to the grieving family and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
