A passerby lost his life in Abuja on Saturday after being hit by a stray bullet allegedly discharged by security agents attached to a VIP convoy.
The incident occurred following a traffic mishap that triggered panic in the area.
The victim, Timothy John, a resident of Dutse Baupma, was said to be walking along the roadside when the convoy arrived and reportedly began firing into the air to disperse the gridlock.
The commotion began when a DAF trailer, suspected to have suffered brake failure, rammed into five tricycles, causing a severe traffic jam and injuring several people.
In the midst of the confusion, the VIP convoy attempted to navigate the blocked road, with their escorts allegedly opening fire to clear the way.
The gunshots sparked fear among commuters and bystanders. One of the bullets struck John in the chest. He was quickly taken to the Kubwa General Hospital but was later confirmed dead by medical staff.
Security commentator Zagazola Makama, who shared the development on his X platform, reported that the shooting has drawn public outrage and scrutiny, particularly as the identity of the VIP and the security personnel involved remains unknown.
There is still uncertainty over whether the shooting was an intentional show of force or a reckless effort to manage the situation.
According to Makama, the initial crash occurred at about 6:50 p.m. and left eight people injured, two of whom later died in the hospital.
However, the spotlight has now shifted to the shooting incident that followed.
John’s remains have been taken to the Kubwa General Hospital morgue, where an autopsy is expected to be carried out.
When contacted, spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed that an investigation is underway and that the shooters have not yet been identified.