A 14-year-old female student has reportedly been killed by a stray bullet in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, sparking renewed concerns over public safety and calls for accountability.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday within the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital quarters, where the victim was said to be carrying out routine household activities when she was struck by a bullet.
As of the time of filing this report, the source of the gunfire remains unclear. There were no reports of insurgent attacks in the area, and security agencies have yet to provide an official account of what transpired.
However, an unconfirmed report suggests that members of the Civilian Joint Task Force may have discharged firearms in a nearby compound during a social celebration, raising suspicions about the origin of the fatal shot.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “She lived in the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital quarters with her parents. Suddenly, she was hit by a stray bullet from an unknown source, which led to her death.”
The incident has triggered anxiety among residents, many of whom warned against the dangers of celebratory gunfire, particularly in a region already grappling with insecurity. They noted that such reckless actions not only endanger lives but also heighten public fear.
The Borno state command of the Nigeria Police Force has not commented on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, urging authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible.
