The family of Saul Hashimu from Angwan Maigero Community in Chikun LGA, Kaduna, have been thrown into mourning following the death of their 13-year-old son, Wisdom, who committed suicide after being accused of stealing and brutalised by soldiers.
Wisdom Hashimu, a Junior Secondary School student living with his parents on Lafiya Sarki Street, was reportedly accused of stealing ₦10,000 from a neighbour, Hope Danladi.
On June 1, 2024, Hope, a 16-year-old girl, contacted her boyfriend, Segun Samson, a soldier, and instead of reporting the accusation to the police, Samson allegedly took Wisdom and Hope’s younger brother to the JTF office, where Wisdom was severely beaten.
According to Channels TV, the beating left Wisdom unable to walk, necessitating medical attention.
Despite receiving treatment, Wisdom was found dead on June 6, 2024, hanging from a noose at the back of his family’s compound while his parents were away.
Wisdom’s father, Saul Hashimu, recounted the events leading to his son’s death.
“On June 1, 2024, I was in Zaria when I was informed that Wisdom was accused of stealing Hope’s ₦10,000. The civilian JTF took the law into their own hands and beat Wisdom severely. Hope’s younger brother, who was also accused, was spared and later confessed to the crime. ₦9,000 was found in his pocket.”
Hashimu added, “Hope called her boyfriend, Segun Samson, who identified himself as a soldier and pressured the civilian JTF to discipline the boys. My son was beaten to the point where he couldn’t walk. We took him to the hospital for treatment and reported the matter to the police.”
The death of Wisdom has left his family devastated. “Though my son is dead, I can’t question God. But I want the authorities to ensure that justice is served and those who brutalised my son are brought to book. This will serve as a deterrent to others,” Hashimu stated.
Hope’s mother, Jessica Danlami, condemned her daughter’s actions, declaring that she did not send her on such an errand and that Wisdom did not steal from her. She said she didn’t know who the soldier was. She urged the police to take her away. “Take her away. I don’t want her again. I didn’t send her,” she said.
In response, the Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the incident and launched a thorough investigation. Hope has been taken into police custody.
The police noted that they are committed to ensuring that justice is served and those responsible for Wisdom’s death are apprehended and prosecuted according to the law.
13-Year-Old Boy Commits Suicide In Kaduna pic.twitter.com/5WZIXgklSC
— Channels Television (@channelstv) June 9, 2024
Read: Tompolo Seeks Youths To Partner With Tinubu In Securing Oil Pipelines He Used To Vandalise