A student of NKST Secondary School, Sai, in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, identified as Tsavnav Gabriel, was allegedly shot by operatives of the Nigerian Army on Wednesday evening.
The incident reportedly occurred as troops were moving through Sai community after escorting the corpse of a man said to have been killed by suspected armed herders at Tse Jato.
Residents said the student was struck by a bullet during the soldiers’ passage through the area.
The circumstances surrounding the discharge of the firearm, however, remain unclear.
Gabriel was subsequently rushed to a private clinic in Sai, where he is currently receiving medical attention.
Sources within the family disclosed that the victim’s household had earlier been displaced following persistent attacks linked to the security crisis in parts of the local government.
The shooting has sparked concern among residents, who called on the military authorities to probe the incident and take appropriate action if any wrongdoing is established.
As of the time of filing this report, details about the student’s medical condition were still sketchy, although sympathisers have continued to express hopes for his quick recovery.
Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the spokesman for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, proved abortive as calls and messages were not responded to.