A former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has hailed the Nigerian Army over the arrest and detention of a soldier for killing a teenager in the Zaria area of Kaduna State during the ongoing nationwide protest.
The Eagle Online had earlier reported that the teenager was shot and died after fleeing into his compound with others.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, confirmed the arrest of the soldier in a statement.
Reacting to the development, Abubakar, who had earlier denounced the use of live bullets to contain the ongoing protest by security agents, said the Nigerian Army did the proper thing with the arrest.
In a post on his X handle, the Peoples Democratic Party candidate in the 2023 polls in Nigeria said: “I am heartened by the acknowledgement made by the Nigerian Army regarding the tragic incident that resulted in the loss of a young protester’s life.
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“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.
“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.”
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