Operatives of the Katsina State Police Command have killed a nine-year-old boy, Muhammad Jawwad, during a clash with hoodlums on New Year’s Day.
A 16-year-old boy, Muhammed Aliyu, was also hit by a bullet during the incident and was admitted to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina.
The state police spokesman, SP Gambo Isah, who confirmed the development on Sunday said three men have been arrested in connection with the tragic incident.
Isah identified the suspects as Abdulganiyu Yusuf, 20; Abubakar Abubakar, 22; and Abubakar Hassan, 22.
The spokesman explained that trouble started when police operatives on patrol went to a community, Sabuwar Unguwar, following a distress call and were confronted by some hoodlums, known as Kauraye.
According to him, one of the hoodlums attempted to disarm a sergeant, which led to the release of bullets that hit the boy and the teenager.
A police vehicle and two patrol motorcycles were also damaged in the clash.
Isah said, “In the course of investigation, the suspect, Abdulganiyu Yusuf, 20, was traced and arrested. He confessed to have engaged the policeman in a brawl leading to the shooting incident. Two other suspects, DJ Abubakar Abubakar, 22; and Abubakar Hassan, 21, were arrested in connection with the crime. They made useful statements and are assisting the police in their investigations.
“In the course of scanning the scene, a police patrol vehicle, a Golf, and two patrol motorcycles were damaged by the Kauraye thugs. Four machetes, two knives and a long stick were also recovered at the scene. Two big speakers, one amplifier, one laptop and one generator were also recovered.”
Isah added that the state Commissioner of Police, Shehu Nadada, had commiserated with the parents of the deceased and the injured.