Esther Salifu
Wisdom Hashimu, a 13-year-old boy from Ungwan Maigero Community in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, took his own life after being falsely accused and tortured by soldiers for allegedly stealing N10,000.
The incident began when a neighbor named Hope reported missing money during her boyfriend Segun Samson’s visit. Samson, a soldier at Bodi Camp in Port Harcourt, River State, involved Hope’s brother and Wisdom, dragging them to the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) office. “Despite Wisdom’s ongoing Junior Secondary School examinations, he was severely beaten by a soldier and Civilian JTF members.”
Wisdom’s father, Mr. Saul, recounted” that instead of reporting to the police, the soldier took the boys to the Civilian JTF, where Wisdom was beaten to the point of being unable to walk.
“After receiving medical attention, Wisdom returned home only to be found hanging from a noose in their compound.
Mr. Saul revealed that the Civilian JTF spared Hope’s younger brother, who later confessed to the theft.
“N9,000 was found in his pocket, with him admitting to spending N1,000. Demanding justice,” he said.
Mr. Saul condemned the Civilian JTF for taking the law into their own hands.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, stated that investigation is ongoing.
