Confusion In Ondo, As Nigerian Army Stray Bullet Kills 13 year-old Boy
There was confusion on Thursday when a stray bullet allegedly fired by men of 32 Artillery brigade of the Nigerian Army providing security at the border town of Akoko killed a 13 year- old pupil of Community Primary School, Ajowa in Akoko Northwest Local Government Area of Ondo State.
It was gathered that the incidence which occurred it the early hours on Thursday, was said to have led to pandemonium in the areas as residents flee for safety.
Witnesses said the tragic incident occurred when some Fulani men and women were displaying acrobatic dance leading to disorderliness among them.
The development was said to have made some soldiers at Ajowa-Akoko military checkpoint went to the scene to make peace.
Another source informed our correspondent that the fatal incident occurred when soldiers were trying to fish out some strange elements among Fulani men in the area but they were preventing the Army men which led to disorderliness.
But the Spokesman of Nigerian Army 32 Artillery brigade, Major Ojo Adenegan who confirmed the incident, said the men of the brigade were only trying to ensure that strange elements didn’t invade the area.
The top security chiefs and Ondo state government’s officials including the Senior Special Assistants to the state governor on Security matters, Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo and the SSA on Hausa/Fulani affairs, Alhaji have visited Ajowa to douse tension that the incident had caused in the area.
The entourage also visited the family of the deceased and pleaded with them and the people of the community to accept the incident as an act of God.
At the meeting, the governor’s SSA on Security matters, Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo and the Caretaker Chairman to Akoko North west Local Government, Mr. Morakinyo Ajayi, on behalf of Governor Akeredolu, urged the community not to allow the incident to cause breach of the peace.
Also, the commandant of Nigerian Army 32 Artillery brigade Akure, Lt Colonel Ejiga who confirmed the incident, apologized on behalf of the Nigerian Army.
Ejiga added that the military would continue to ensure security of lives and property in the area.
While responding, the father of the victim, Mr Usman Saliu, said his son was coming from school when the stray bullet killed him.
Saliu described the death of the boy to the family as a great loss.
