Protest: Mothers Cry For Justice Over Katsina Killings

Some aggrieved mothers in Katsina State are demanding justice over security agents brutality and the killing of their children, following the death of a minor and several adults who were allegedly shot by police and the Department of State Services (DSS) during the #endbadgovernance protest in the state.

One of the mothers in a viral video displayed the corpse of her son, who was murdered in the incident that took place at the Kofar Sauri. She said, “I will not forgive the perpetrators of my son’s death. He was just a minor, and they had no right to take his life.”

LEADERSHIP Friday further investigated the incident and discovered that scores of persons were killed and several injured on day six of the protest, where young boys displayed Russian flags as a symbol of solidarity among the protesters.

Aminu Adamu was one of the victims who sustained a gunshot wound in his hand. According to him, the bullet penetrated his left arm while standing at the door of his house, and he was rushed to the general hospital for treatment.

His mother, Bilkisu Adamu, expressed concern over the show of force by the security agents, condemning the brutality done on innocent people who had nothing to do with the protest.

She said, “I was informed on the phone that my son was shot, and when I wanted to come home, another person called me, warning that the police are shooting people indiscriminately, the place is no longer safe, I should instead go to general hospital where victims were taken to for treatment. And when I reached the hospital, I saw the medical personnel in tears because of teargas.

“A pregnant woman from our neighbourhood died from teargas that were thrown into her house while she was in labour.

The entire Kofar Sauri was in teargas, and my son was lucky to have survived with just a gunshot. There was a boy who was shot dead. About six to seven persons were killed in this area, to my knowledge.

“I want justice for my son. I can’t forgive them. The security only brutalised innocent youth who did not even participate in the protest.

“The protesters are there on the main road. Why enter the community and shoot innocent people, knowing that they are not even permitted by law to do so?

“You see, it has turned into another thing entirely. Will we deal with the hardship, food shortages, or the money to treat our children? Certainly, I’m not happy with this”, she said.

Also, Shefi’u was another victim who unfortunately could not make it. A straight bullet hit him during the incident. His uncle, Muntari Garba, also said he was not among the protesters and that he only went out to eat when security personnel targeted and shot him.

Garba raised concern about the government and police’s silence since the incident happened three days ago. No delegation has expressed sympathy with them or even condemned the situation.

He equally wants justice for Shefi’u, as he called on the government to caution security operatives against brutality and indiscriminate shooting of people in the guise of controlling protesters.

The state police command, through its spokesman Sadiq Abubakar, recently stated that no life was lost during the protest.

However, this incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for accountability and reform within the security. The community is still reeling from the shock of the event, and the demand for justice continues to grow.

As the investigation into the incident unfolds, the mothers’ words and those of some of the victims serve as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of the brutality. Their plea for justice echoes the cries of many who have suffered similar losses, and those responsible must be held accountable.

The police command spokesman, Sadiq Abubakar, denied the viral video, saying it was not in Katsina State, adding that the command has yet to receive any report on the alleged brutality at Kofar Sauri and will communicate as soon as he gets the report.