Parents Demand Justice For 13-Year-Old Son Who Committed Suicide After Being Brutalised By Soldier, Others In Kaduna

The family of Mr. and Mrs. Saul Hashimu, living in the Ungwan Maigero community, Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State, is demanding justice for the heartbreaking passing of their 13-year-old son, Wisdom Hashimu.

Reports from Channels Television indicate that Wisdom's death resulted from alleged brutality by a soldier and members of the civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in the area, sparking outrage and calls for accountability.

Wisdom, who was living with his parents on Lafiya Sarki Street, reportedly took his own life within their compound after being accused of stealing N10,000 from a neighbour. The accusation led to alleged torture by the soldier and JTF members.

The tragic incident occurred on June 6. Wisdom, a Junior Secondary School student, was found dead, hanging at the back of his family's compound. This devastating event followed a severe beating on June 1, 2024, after he was accused of theft by his 16-year-old neighbour, Hope.

Hope's boyfriend, Segun Samson, a soldier from Bodi Camp in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, took matters into his own hands, dragging Wisdom and Hope's brother to the civilian JTF office, where Wisdom was brutally beaten, leaving him immobile. After receiving medical care, Wisdom returned home, only to be found dead by hanging on June 6, in the compound of his family's home.

The family seeks justice for the violence.

Wisdom’s grieving father recounted the events: “On June 1st, I was in Zaria when I received news that Wisdom was accused of stealing Miss Hope Danladi’s N1000. The Civilian JTF beat him to a point of coma while Hope’s younger brother, who was also accused, was unharmed. Later, Hope’s brother confessed to the theft, and N9000 was found in his pocket.”

He continued, “Hope called her boyfriend, Segun Samson, who identified himself as a soldier and coerced the JTF to discipline the boys. My son was so severely beaten that he could not walk. We sought medical attention and reported the incident to the police.”

“On Thursday, I was informed that my son was dead, having hanged himself at the back of our compound. Although I cannot question God, I demand justice for my son. Those responsible for his brutalization must be held accountable to prevent such tragedies in the future.”

The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed the incident and initiated a full investigation to ensure justice is served and those responsible for Wisdom’s death are prosecuted.