Tragic Death of Niger Widow’s Son Raises Questions on Police Conduct

Aisha Hassan claims that her son, Sani Khalid, was killed by a drunk police officer in Niger State. The incident occurred at approximately 3 a.m. as Khalid sought fresh air. Local witnesses corroborate the account, noting that Khalid was unarmed. The police confirmed the incident, attributing the death to a stray bullet while avoiding discussions about the officer’s alleged intoxication. Aisha has called for justice for her son’s death.

Aisha Hassan, a widow with nine children, has accused the Niger State Police of killing her son, Sani Khalid, aged 27, in a tragic incident in the Angwa-Kaje area of Minna. The heartbreaking event transpired shortly after 3 a.m. when Khalid, seeking fresh air due to the heat, was shot by police as his family slept. Upon hearing gunshots, Aisha found her son lying motionless in a nearby tea vendor’s shop.

Aisha Hassan described the harrowing moment when she discovered her son dead. “I shook him, but he was lifeless. I tried to shake him again, and he rolled down to the floor. I began to scream that the police had shot my son,” she recounted, expressing her grief and shock. Neighbors rushed to help and transported Khalid to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead due to gunshot wounds.

Local residents have stated that the police officer who fired the shots appeared to be intoxicated and had attempted to shoot the tea vendor as well. One witness, Ibrahim, confirmed that Khalid was unarmed and peacefully resting when he was struck. He described the quiet atmosphere of that early morning, emphasizing that there was no prior disturbance that would justify police action.

During a visit from Arewa PUNCH, Aisha was surrounded by over fifty supportive women from her community, mourning the tragic loss. As Aisha does not speak English, an interpreter assisted with communication during the interview, highlighting her painful situation.

Niger State Police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun acknowledged Khalid’s death as a result of a stray bullet but did not address allegations concerning the officer’s alcohol consumption. He stated that police were responding to unrest from local youths and noted that they had come under attack, prompting a counteraction that led to the shooting. The Police Command is reportedly investigating the incident to identify the personnel involved.

The tragic shooting of Sani Khalid has raised serious concerns about police conduct and accountability in Niger State. Aisha Hassan’s grief illustrates the profound loss endured by families affected by such violence. Despite the police’s acknowledgment of the incident, the lack of clarity regarding the officer’s state raises essential questions about oversight and public safety. A thorough investigation is crucial to ensure justice and prevent future occurrences of such violence.

Original Source: punchng.com