- Tension As NDLEA Operative Allegedly Kills Young Man in Kaduna.
- The incident sparked protests, roadblocks, and closure of businesses in Barnawa.
- Police confirmed the case and ordered a full investigation
Palpabletension engulfed the Barnawa area of Kaduna South Local Government on Monday after a young man was reportedly shot dead by an operative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that according to eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred near the Barnawa market junction during a hot pursuit of a suspected drug dealer.
The NDLEA personnel allegedly fired a shot that struck the victim, who residents say was innocent and had no connection to the chase.
A witness, Musa, recounted, “The NDLEA men were chasing someone and shouting for him to stop. Then one of them fired, and the bullet hit another person who was just passing by. He had nothing to do with it.”
Described by locals as a quiet and hardworking member of the community, the victim’s death sparked immediate outrage. Angry youths took to the streets, blocking the Aliyu Makama-Barnawa road with burning tyres and chanting in protest.
Another resident, Aisha, expressed frustration over repeated incidents involving security operatives, saying, “We are tired of security agents killing our brothers and sisters. This must not be swept under the carpet.”
The protest, which began around 6 p.m., forced the closure of bars, eateries, and shops in the usually lively district. Commercial tricycle operators were forced to take alternative routes as the main road was blocked.
Kaduna State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the incident, stating that the Commissioner of Police had ordered a full-scale investigation. By late evening, police patrols were deployed to restore calm, though some protesters vowed to continue demonstrations if urgent action was not taken.
The Kaduna State Government has yet to release an official statement.
