14-year-old girl killed by stray bullet in Borno

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A secondary school student aged 14 has been shot dead by a stray bullet in Maiduguri, Borno State. This incident has provoked anger and revived worries about the improper use of guns by security forces.

On Saturday, 4 April, a tragic incident took place in which the victim was allegedly hit within her residence in the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) quarters. It is claimed that the bullet was shot by soldiers who were partaking in celebratory gunfire at a wedding nearby.

A family friend, who wished to remain unnamed, characterized the victim’s last moments as simultaneously mundane and tragic.

“She lived in the UMTH quarters with her family and was inside her home when the tragedy occurred. She had just finished applying henna for her mother and herself, joyfully preparing for a family wedding scheduled for that same day,” the source said.

The young girl was later confirmed deceased, and her burial took place on Sunday morning at the Maiduguri cemetery, in accordance with Islamic rites.

The incident has sparked denunciation from Amnesty International, which urged Nigerian authorities to carry out a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the circumstances of the shooting.

The organisation emphasised the necessity of accountability and preventive measures in a statement.

“There must be a transparent, impartial and effective investigation into this incident to safeguard lives and ensure justice,” Amnesty International said.

At the time this report was filed, the military authorities had not issued an official statement concerning the incident.

Relatives and residents have persisted in their quest for answers, characterizing the death as preventable and calling on the government to act decisively to avert a similar incident in the future.

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