A tragedy struck last week in Kaduna when a 13-year-old boy, Wisdom Hashimu committed suicide after soldiers brutalised him over a false allegation of stealing N10,000 from a neighbour.
Wisdom, who lived with his parents in the Ungwan Maigero community, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was falsely accused of stealing N10,000 from their 16-year-old neighbour, Hope Danladi.
Wisdom, a Junior Secondary School student, was reportedly brutalised by Hope’s boyfriend, one Segun Samson, a soldier from Bodi Camp in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, but serving in Kaduna.
The soldier dragged the 13-year-old boy to their military base and together with some of his colleagues, brutalised Wisdom to the point of being immobile.
After receiving medical care, Wisdom returned home, only to be found dead by hanging on June 6, in the compound of his family’s home.
The family seeks justice for the violence.
Wisdom’s grieving father recounted the events: “On June 1st, I was in Zaria when I received news that Wisdom was accused of stealing Miss Hope Danladi’s N1000. The Civilian JTF beat him to a point of coma while Hope’s younger brother, who was also accused, was unharmed. Later, Hope’s brother confessed to the theft, and N9000 was found in his pocket.”
He continued, “Hope called her boyfriend, Segun Samson, who identified himself as a soldier and coerced the JTF to discipline the boys. My son was so severely beaten that he could not walk. We sought medical attention and reported the incident to the police.”
“On Thursday, I was informed that my son was dead, having hanged himself at the back of our compound. Although I cannot question God, I demand justice for my son. Those responsible for his brutalization must be held accountable to prevent such tragedies in the future.”
The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed the incident and initiated a full investigation to ensure justice is served and those responsible for Wisdom’s death are prosecuted.
