The family of Mr. and Mrs. Saul Hashimu from the Ungwan Maigero Community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State is demanding justice following the tragic death of their 13-year-old son, Wisdom.
The teenager reportedly took his own life on Friday, June 6, 2024, after being falsely accused of stealing N10,000 from a neighbor and allegedly tortured by a soldier and members of the civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in the area.
Wisdom, who lived with his parents on Lafiya Sarki Street, was preparing for his Junior Secondary School examination at the time of the incident.
On June 1, 2024, he was accused of stealing the money by a 16-year-old neighbor named Hope.
Hope then involved her boyfriend, Segun Samson, a serving soldier stationed at Bodi Camp in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.
Instead of reporting the matter to the police, Samson dragged Wisdom and Hope’s brother to the civilian JTF office.
At the JTF office, Wisdom was severely beaten to the point of being unable to walk. After receiving medical attention, he returned home.
However, on Thursday, June 6, 2024, Wisdom was found dead, having hanged himself in the compound while his parents were not around.
Grieving father Mr. Hashimu recounted the events leading up to his son’s death. “On June 1st, I was in Zaria when I was informed that Wisdom was accused of stealing N10,000 from our neighbor’s daughter, Hope Danladi.
The Civilian JTF took matters into their own hands and beat Wisdom severely, while Hope’s brother, who was also accused, was spared.”
After interrogation at home, Hope’s brother confessed to the theft, revealing that he had N9,000 in his possession and had already spent N1,000. Despite this confession, Wisdom had already suffered brutal treatment.
Mr. Hashimu further explained, “Hope called her boyfriend, Segun Samson, who identified himself to the Civilian JTF on Dokaji Street in Narayi as a soldier from Bodi Camp. Samson then coerced the JTF into disciplining the boys. My son was beaten to the point where he couldn’t walk. We took him to the hospital for treatment and reported the incident to the police.”
On June 6th, while Mr. Hashimu was away, he received a call to rush home because Wisdom was found dead, having hanged himself with a rope in the backyard.
Despite his immense grief, Mr. Hashimu seeks justice, “Though my son is dead, I can’t question God. But I want the authorities to ensure that justice is served, and those responsible for brutalizing my son are held accountable. This should serve as a deterrent to others.”
The Kaduna State Police Command has acknowledged the incident and initiated a full investigation.
They aim to ensure that justice is served and that those responsible for Wisdom’s death are apprehended and prosecuted according to the law.
