Men of the Nigeria Police Katsina state Command have reported killed a nine-year-old boy during a clash between the police and some hoodlums on New Year’s Day.

Another teenager, who was hit by a bullet during the incident, was admitted to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina. But the police have blamed the hoodlums for the boy’s death and subsequently arrested three suspects in connection with the killing.

The spokesman for the state police command, SP Gambo Isah, confirmed the development on Sunday.

He identified the suspects as Abdulganiyu Yusuf, 20; Abubakar Abubakar, 22; and Abubakar Hassan, 22.

The police spokesman identified the slain nine-year-old boy as Muhammad Jawwad, and the injured teenager as Muhammed Aliyu, 16.

The spokesman explained that trouble started when police operatives on patrol went to a community, Sabuwar Unguwar, following a distress call.

He noted that the cops were confronted by some hoodlums, known as Kauraye.

According to him, one of the hoodlums attempted to disarm a sergeant, which led to the release of bullets that hit the boy and the teenager.

A police vehicle and two patrol motorcycles were also damaged in the clash.

Isah said, “In the course of investigation, the suspect, Abdulganiyu Yusuf, 20, was traced and arrested. He confessed to have engaged the policeman in a brawl leading to the shooting incident. Two other suspects, DJ Abubakar Abubakar, 22; and Abubakar Hassan, 21, were arrested in connection with the crime. They made useful statements and are assisting the police in their investigations.

“In the course of scanning the scene, a police patrol vehicle, a Golf, and two patrol motorcycles were damaged by the Kauraye thugs. Four machetes, two knives and a long stick were also recovered at the scene. Two big speakers, one amplifier, one laptop and one generator were also recovered.”

Isah added that the state Commissioner of Police, Shehu Nadada, had commiserated with the parents of the deceased and the injured. (The PUNCH: Text, excluding headline)

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