14-Year-Old Girl Dies After Being Shot During Military Celebration In Maiduguri

Amnesty International has urged Nigerian authorities to carry out a full investigation into the alleged careless use of firearms by military personnel after a 14-year-old girl was killed in Maiduguri, Borno State.

In a statement released on Sunday, the human rights group said the secondary school student lost her life on Saturday, April 4, when a stray bullet hit her while she was inside her family’s home.

According to Amnesty International, the bullet was allegedly fired by military personnel who were shooting into the air in celebration during a wedding ceremony held at a nearby event centre.

A family friend said the teenager was getting ready to attend the wedding when the heartbreaking incident happened.

“She lived in the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) quarters with her family and was inside her home when the tragedy occurred,” a source was quoted to have said.

“She had just finished applying henna for her mother and herself, joyfully preparing for a family wedding scheduled for that same day.”

Amnesty International described the death as one that could have been avoided and called on the authorities to hold those responsible accountable.

The organisation also said the girl was laid to rest on Sunday at the Maiduguri cemetery, noting that her loved ones have been left searching for answers over what it called a completely avoidable death.

It further demanded a transparent, unbiased, and thorough investigation into the shooting, saying such action is necessary to protect lives and ensure justice is served.

When contacted, Michael Onoja, director of defence media operations, said he was unable to speak on the matter because he had not yet received details of the incident.

“I don’t have any details of it yet. Can’t comment yet,” Onoja said.

KanyiDaily previously reported how Pastor John Onu of the Glorious Gospel Fire Assembly was killed by a police stray bullet while observing his morning devotion.