A tragic incident in Niger State has left a teenage boy dead after he was reportedly shot by his friend while handling a firearm belonging to the suspect’s father, a member of a local vigilante group.
Police authorities say 16-year-old Emmanuel Danladi allegedly shot and killed his 15-year-old friend, Titus Joseph, during a moment of reckless handling of a firearm in Kwamba community, Suleja Local Government Area.
The Niger State Police Command disclosed that the incident occurred on March 1 while the two teenagers were at Emmanuel’s residence.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Wasi’u Abiodun, Emmanuel reportedly picked up a loaded dane gun belonging to his father, Danladi Baba, who serves with a local vigilante group.
While playing with the weapon, the teenager allegedly fired a shot at close range, striking Titus in the stomach.
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Police operatives from the Maje Division responded swiftly after the incident was reported, evacuating the victim to the General Hospital in Suleja, where he was later confirmed dead.
Authorities say both Emmanuel Danladi and his father have been taken into custody over allegations of negligence and culpable homicide.
The firearm used in the shooting has also been recovered as evidence.
Meanwhile, the suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Minna as investigations continue and possible prosecution is being considered.
(Editor: Ada Ononye)
