Tension has risen in parts of Jalingo, Taraba State capital, following an incident in which a young boy was reportedly struck by a stray bullet allegedly fired by operatives of the Jalingo Division of the Nigeria Police Force.
An eyewitness, Musa Isa Kashere, who was among the first responders, recounted the incident on Friday, stating that he had just returned home and parked his vehicle when he heard a commotion nearby.
“I just came back and parked my car, then I heard some noise. I came out and saw a boy crying heavily,” he said. “When I asked what happened, people told me it was the police from Jalingo Division who shot him. God saved him—the bullet brushed his upper eye.”
Kashere said he immediately rushed the injured boy to the hospital for urgent medical attention.
As of the time of this report, neither the Taraba State Police Command nor the Jalingo Division has issued an official statement on the incident. The name and age of the victim were yet to be confirmed.
Local residents have expressed concern over the increasing reports of police-related shootings and are calling for a full investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“Police cases are always turning into something else here in Jalingo,” Kashere added, reflecting growing public frustration with alleged police misconduct in the area.
Civil society groups and human rights advocates have also urged authorities to take swift action to investigate the shooting and ensure accountability.
