Tragic Shooting of Niger Widow’s Son Allegedly by Drunk Policeman

Aisha Hassan, a widow, accused Niger State Police of killing her son, Sani Khalid, during a patrol incident in the night. Khalid was reportedly shot while outside for fresh air. Aisha recounted the harrowing moments following the shooting as community members rallied to her side. The police have confirmed the shooting and pledged an investigation, although they remain silent on officer intoxication claims.

Aisha Hassan, a widow with nine children, has accused officers from the Niger State Police Command of killing her son, Sani Khalid, aged 27. The incident occurred in the Maitumbi area of Niger State, where Aisha and her family lived. She reported that while they were sleeping around 3 AM, Khalid went outside for fresh air when he was shot by police gunfire.

Aisha recounted hearing a police patrol vehicle approach followed by two gunshots, which prompted her to alert her children that someone had been shot. Upon emerging from her home, she discovered Khalid lying lifeless on a tea vendor’s bench. Despite her attempts to wake him, she realized he had been shot. Neighbors soon gathered to comfort her as they transported Khalid’s body to a nearby hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

In her emotional testimony, Aisha stated, “My name is Aisha Hassan. I lost my husband 11 years ago. We had nine children, but one died, and I’m now left with eight children.” She emphasized Khalid’s role as the family’s provider after her husband’s death and lamented that the police should bring her son back. Reports from the community suggest that the police officer who fired was intoxicated and had attempted to shoot the tea vendor, who escaped unscathed.

Ibrahim, a neighbor, claimed that there was little disturbance prior to the shooting and emphasized that Khalid was unarmed. The incident took place early in the morning, adding to the community’s shock. Aisha was visited by over 50 women from the neighborhood who came to express their condolences, as she remained in deep mourning and communicated through an interpreter.

Niger State Police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun confirmed that Khalid was shot but asserted that it was due to a stray bullet amidst unrest caused by local youths. He did not address the allegations regarding the officer’s possible intoxication, merely stating that an investigation will take place to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Further developments will be communicated to the public.

The tragic incident involving Aisha Hassan’s son, Sani Khalid, underscores the urgent need for accountability and transparency within law enforcement. Aisha’s loss is compounded by the alleged circumstances surrounding Khalid’s death, including claims that the responding officer was intoxicated at the time of the shooting. The Niger State Police have launched an investigation, but the community continues to mourn and demand justice.

Original Source: punchng.com