- After the beating, Wisdom received medical attention but was later found dead by hanging on June 6, 2024
Mr. and Mrs. Saul Hashimu from Ungwan Maigero Community, Chikun LGA, Kaduna State, are seeking justice for their 13-year-old son Wisdom, who allegedly committed suicide following brutal torture by a soldier and members of the civilian Joint Task Force (JTF).
Wisdom, who lived with his parents on Lafiya Sarki Street, was accused of stealing N10,000 from a neighbor. On June 1, 2024, he and another accused, Hope’s brother, were severely beaten by a soldier and civilian JTF members instead of being taken to the police.
After the beating, Wisdom received medical attention but was later found dead by hanging on June 6, 2024. The family is devastated, with his father recounting the tragic events.
“On 1st of June, 2024, I was in Zaria when I received information that Wisdom was alleged of stealing my neighbour’s daughter (Miss Hope Danladi)’s N1000,” his father said.
“I was further told that the Civilian JTF took the law into their own hands and beat Wisdom. But, beyond my wildest imagination, the Civilian JTF only beat Wisdom to a point of coma while Hope’s younger brother was spared and returned home unscathed.
“After interrogation at home, her (Hope’s) younger brother confessed to the crime. When he was searched, N9000 was found in his pocket, and he said he had spent N1000 already.”
“I was also told that Hope called her boyfriend, Segun Samson, who identified himself to the Civilian JTF in Dokaji Street in Narayi as a serving soldier at Bodi Camp in Port-Harcourt after brandishing his ID Card for validation.
“This was after Hope called Samson, and he bundled Wisdom and Hope’s younger brother to the civilian JTF office, and he prevailed on the Civilian JTF to discipline the boys.
“My son was severely beaten by the Civilian JTF to the point that he was unable to walk. We took him to the hospital where he received medical attention while we reported the matter to the police station.
“On Thursday, while I was away, I was told to rush back home, that my son was dead, that he hanged himself with a rope at the back of our compound.
“Though my son is dead, I can’t question God. He is gone. But I want the authorities to ensure that justice is served, and those that brutalised my son be brought to book. This will serve as a deterrent to others.”
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command said it was aware of the incident, and has commenced full investigation into it to ensure that justice is served and those behind Wisdom’s death are apprehended and prosecuted accordingly to the law.