A tragic event unfolded in Abuja on Saturday when a stray bullet, reportedly fired by security personnel escorting a Very Important Personality (VIP), struck and killed a pedestrian.
The victim, Timothy John, a resident of the Dutse Baupma area, was walking along the roadside when the VIP convoy passed through, discharging gunshots into the air. This occurred shortly after a traffic incident involving a DAF trailer that lost its brakes and collided with five tricycles, creating a massive traffic jam in the area.
In the midst of the congestion, security officers in the VIP convoy allegedly opened fire in an attempt to clear the gridlock, causing panic among both motorists and pedestrians. This led to several injuries, including the fatal shooting of Timothy John.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama shared information about the incident on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, explaining that during the exchange of gunfire, a bullet struck Timothy John in the chest. He was immediately rushed to Kubwa General Hospital, but medical staff later confirmed his death.
Makama also noted that the actions of the convoy’s security officers have raised significant concerns, particularly since their identities remain unknown. It’s still uncertain whether the shots were fired carelessly or as a means of crowd control.
The initial accident occurred around 6:50 p.m. and left eight people injured, two of whom later succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. However, the focus has now shifted to the shooting incident involving the convoy.
Timothy John’s body has been taken to the Kubwa General Hospital morgue, where an autopsy is expected.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed that the individuals responsible for the shooting have yet to be identified, and investigations are ongoing.
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