Group Mourns Death Of Student In Maiduguri, Demands Probe Into Stray Bullet Incident
By Bukar BOLORI
A civil society organisation, Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd/Gte (SOJA), has condemned the tragic death of a student, Fatima Jibril Khali, allegedly caused by a stray bullet during a wedding celebration in Maiduguri, Borno State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, SOJA expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a preventable tragedy and a disturbing reflection of the dangers posed by the reckless use of firearms in civilian environments.
The organisation said the deceased, a student of Zenith International Academy, reportedly died after a bullet was discharged during a wedding in the Ngomari area of the city, striking her while she was within her residence at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) quarters.
SOJA extended condolences to the family of the deceased, noting that no family should suffer such a loss under avoidable circumstances.
The group stressed that the incident raises serious legal and human rights concerns, particularly the violation of the right to life as guaranteed under Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as international instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
According to the organisation, the tragedy highlights the responsibility of the state to protect citizens from preventable harm, including through effective regulation of firearms and enforcement of public safety laws.
SOJA called on the Borno State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, and other relevant authorities to launch a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident.
It also urged security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible, enforce stricter controls on the use of firearms, and strengthen safety measures at public and social gatherings.
The organisation further recommended intensified public sensitisation on the dangers and legal consequences of reckless firearm use, as well as support for the bereaved family.
“The death of Fatima Jibril Khali must not be treated as a mere accident. It is a serious public safety failure that demands urgent action,” the statement said.
SOJA emphasised that protecting human life remains the primary responsibility of government and called for immediate reforms to prevent similar incidents.
