Information available to 247ureports.com from sources within the security agents stationed in Kano State indicate that the Joint Task Force [JTF] headed by Commander Iweha shot and killed a 13 year old boy in Kano State on Thursday May 17, 2012.
According to the information made available, the 13 year old boy was shot on Thursday afternoon near his home located a few yards away from the Emir of Kano State’s residence. Local news reports indicate that the boy was shot as he walked towards his home. It was said that the JTF who has been edgy of late mistook the boy for a possible Boko Haram suspect – who may have been approaching the Emir’s palace with dubious intentions. It was not certain whether the boy disobeyed the JTF orders – before he was shot. But what was certain was that the boy was unarmed.
The leader of the JTF was called for comments regarding the shooting but he failed to answer his calls. Text messages were sent to his mobile phone but he did not respond. The police public relations officer, Malam Magaji,when contacted, referred our corresppondent to the JTF.
Meanwhile, the mother of the boy and other family member along with supporters have begun making trips to the various media houses in Kano seeking redress for the death/murder of their son. Some of the activists who accompanied the group expressed blanket disapproval of the manner the JTF have harassed the residents of Kano. One of the activists who have his name as Yusuf told our correspondent that the men of the JTF have turned to abuse of power as their mode of operation. “Achaba [Okada] transporters can no longer work in Kano” said Yusuf who continued to lament the manner the men of JTF have taken matters into their hands illegal.
He states that Achada/Okada riders are made to dis-mount their motorbikes about 100meters before reaching the JTF checkpoints. They are then made to re-mount their motorbikes after they have rolled their bikes another 100meters after the checkpoint. He explains that the JTF have been making indiscriminate arrests and detention of innocent Hausa boys. “Sometimes they beat them for nothing”
A JTF source has denied the allegation.
