Tragedy in Niger: Widow Accuses Police of Killing Son in Shooting Incident
Aisha Hassan, a widow from Niger State, has accused police officers of fatally shooting her son, Sani Khalid, while he was outside for fresh air. Witnesses claim the police officer appeared drunk at the time. Khalid’s death has sparked community mourning and demands for accountability, with the police stating an investigation will occur to assess the allegations.
Aisha Hassan, a widow from Niger State, has accused the local police of killing her 27-year-old son, Sani Khalid. The tragic incident occurred in the Angwa-Kaje area of Maitumbi, Chanchaga Local Government Area, while Aisha and her children were asleep around 3 AM. Khalid had stepped outside for fresh air when he was allegedly shot by a police officer.
Upon hearing gunshots, Aisha instinctively informed her children that someone had been shot. After going outside, she discovered Khalid lying unresponsive on a bench near a tea vendor’s shop. Attempts to rouse him proved futile, and she soon realized he was lifeless. Neighbors, alerted by her cries, helped transport Khalid to a local hospital where he was confirmed dead.
In an exclusive interview, Aisha articulated her immense loss, describing Sani as the family’s primary breadwinner after her husband’s death. She lamented, “Sani was like the family’s breadwinner… now that the police have killed him, they should bring back my son.”
Witnesses reported that the police officer who fired the shot appeared to be intoxicated. One neighbor, Ibrahim, revealed that Khalid was unarmed at the time of the shooting and was merely resting on the bench. He recounted, “The policeman was drunk when he came down from the patrol van… he just shot at Khalid in the stomach.”
Aisha was visited by numerous Muslim women from her community who came to express their condolences. Although she could not speak English, an interpreter facilitated communication. The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident, attributing the shooting to a stray bullet during what was described as a disturbance allegedly caused by local youths. However, the police spokesman did not address the claims of the officer’s intoxication.
The police acknowledged the filing of a complaint regarding Khalid’s shooting, stating that an investigation would be opened to determine accountability. They concluded by promising to keep the public informed of any developments regarding the case.
The tragic death of Sani Khalid, as reported by his grieving mother Aisha Hassan, raises serious concerns regarding police conduct and accountability. Despite the police acknowledging the shooting, the allegation of intoxication among the officers involved must be thoroughly investigated. The community’s outcry highlights the need for justice and reform to prevent such incidents in the future, ensuring that families like Aisha’s receive support rather than suffering further loss.
Original Source: punchng.com
