Residents Protest over Killing of Barnawa Youth By NDLEA Operatives
The Barnawa axis of Kaduna South Local Government Area was thrown into chaos on Monday evening following the killing of a young man allegedly by personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Eyewitnesses said the victim, described by residents as a “quiet and hardworking” youth, was shot during an NDLEA chase of a suspected drug dealer near the busy Barnawa Market junction. According to accounts, the operatives, who arrived in an unmarked vehicle, were pursuing a suspect when one of them opened fire, hitting an unrelated passerby. “We were all here when the NDLEA men chased somebody. They told him to stop, then one of them fired and it hit a completely different person,” said a witness identified as Musa. “That boy had nothing to do with the matter. He was innocent.” The incident immediately sparked protests, with angry youths barricading the main road leading into Barnawa from Aliyu Makama, burning tyres, and chanting for justice. The demonstration, which began around 6 p.m., brought vehicular movement to a standstill and forced many businesses to close early, including popular bars, eateries, and entertainment spots in the area. “This is one killing too many,” said a protester named Aisha. “They always claim to be chasing criminals, but it is innocent people that die. We want the government to take action.” Bello, a resident, described the scene as tense and unprecedented. “The road was blocked with tyres and stones. People were shouting, and at first, there were no security agents around. Everyone was scared.” The Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the incident, stating in a WhatsApp message that the Commissioner of Police had ordered a full-scale investigation. By late evening, police patrol vans had been deployed to the area to restore order, and some protesters dispersed, though many vowed to return if swift action was not taken. The Kaduna State Government had yet to issue an official statement at the time of filing this report.
