A 20-year-old boy identified as Rinji Peter Bala was allegedly arrested and later killed by some men of the Nigerian Army in Jos, Plateau State.
Recounting the incident, a Twitter user identified as Matthew Tegha, took to the micro-blogging platform early Wednesday, and wrote that the young man nicknamed Bobo was reportedly shot by officers of “the Nigerian Army at Sector 1” on Tuesday evening.
The deceased is said to be in his third year as a student of History and International Studies at the University of Jos (UNIJOS).
“At the family house we learnt that the youths numbered seven were apprehended by vigilantes breaking the lockdown order around 7pm at Hwolshe area overhead bridge and were handed to the soldiers around 18th Street Lounge and later transferred to the Army Sector 1 at the new Zaria Road stadium,” Mr Tegha wrote.
UPDATE: from the house of Late Rinji who was shot by Soldiers #JusticeForRinji pic.twitter.com/iqnrKBTs3y
— Matthew Tegha (@matthewtegha) May 13, 2020
He said that one of the seven boys, whose name has been withheld, alleged that after “thorough investigation and torture” they were found innocent and told to run away.
According to Tegha, the boy said that as they ran out the soldiers shot at them and unfortunately, hit Rinji.
He added that the other six boys have been taken to the state Police A-Division for questioning after which an investigation would commence.
Although the army is yet to respond to the allegations, Nigerians have taken to Twitter to demand justice.
See some tweets below:
https://twitter.com/Bojack_Dropsman/status/1260465814760816645
Nobody deserves to be killed in broad daylight, by the very people that are paid to protect them. Nigerians don't have to live in constant fear of being killed by the police. Rinji's death shouldn't be swept under the carpet.#JusticeForRinji
— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) May 13, 2020
https://twitter.com/eiiike_2iixeke/status/1260398110817296384
We need justice nothing more he is gone and we pray he is resting with the Lord#JusticeForRinji pic.twitter.com/djIRuSEfiJ
— ForceSzn💐 (@iambwoysprint) May 13, 2020
Just look at the kid. Had a future ahead, family to look after, A mother's love shattered. Why would you be released and Asked to Run only to the killed in a an Apocalyptic manner? This ain't fair on all grounds. This was no fortuitous act, it's murder. Sleepwell #JusticeForRinji pic.twitter.com/0Ckvv8TXwk
— TallNegro🤖💫 (@hamza_wesley) May 13, 2020
https://twitter.com/JangJaydee/status/1260513151445065729
Apart from protecting ourselves from this convid 19, should we also be scared of the people that are suppose to be called security men.. Yesterday it's rinji that was killed by a soldier, tomorrow it can be anyone else.. #JusticeForRinji#JusticeForRinji#JusticeForRinji pic.twitter.com/AuhRRwTkIi
— Okechukwu Martin (@Okechukwu971) May 13, 2020
The system has failed us again.
They say we are the leaders of tomorrow but yet they kill us before, stealing that opportunity from us.#JusticeForBobo #JusticeForRinji pic.twitter.com/pPkYDaFq3f— Thomgold💡 (@sardauna_e) May 13, 2020
Bobo was shot dead for a crime he couldn’t have committed for any reason by some soldiers and he was unarmed please I beg let’s not over look this help us. #JusticeForBobo #JusticeForRinji pic.twitter.com/H5zIh6sdm9
— Meema (@ItsMeems_Vic) May 13, 2020
You can only wonder why a promising life was wasted. While terrorists are released by the same set of security of operatives.
What happened to proper investigation?
Why do we have to fear our soldiers sworn to protect us?
Was he handed to the Police?#JusticeForRinji pic.twitter.com/0yzkpz02zC— Joey MD XtraordinairE (@Joeynext) May 13, 2020
SOLDIERS ALLEGEDLY KILL YOUTH in JOS PLATEAU
Rinji Peter Bala aka Bobo was out around his house with friends when security operatives arrested them thinking they were thieves upon release later shot & killed 20year old Rinji.
#JusticeForRinji pic.twitter.com/nNmUcAPNp9 pic.twitter.com/PTvdeMgbeh— I AM JOS, I AM BEROM, I AM THE ROCK IN PLATEAU (@GeorgeLambert_1) May 13, 2020
https://twitter.com/Nenkinan_deshi/status/1260460982754775040
A great loss for Nigeria
A great loss for plateau state
A great loss for josites
Rest in peace Rinji#JusticeForRinji pic.twitter.com/tGn27Caz49— Jamila Motunrola 🇳🇬◽ (@mobytoolz) May 13, 2020
Hello Twitter family please lend your voice in demaning #JusticeForRinji who was killed by some trigger happy soldiers of the @HQNigerianArmy yesterday.
RT please. #JusticeForRinji pic.twitter.com/DlgSaeKdwk— Selzing Zingfa (@selziano) May 13, 2020
I remember after every crisis, we all get scared when we see a soldier.
Scared that they may gun us down for nothing.
How can one fear a person payed to protect them? #JusticeForRinji pic.twitter.com/q312q2AWqB— Jamila Motunrola 🇳🇬◽ (@mobytoolz) May 13, 2020
You killed him, what have you gained? Just a young man pursuing his dreams. This nonsense must end.#JusticeForRinji pic.twitter.com/V3Y1hK0KcO
— Nensemka Silas Barde (@nensilas) May 13, 2020
Firstly, the army is wrong for this. They have no business with this. This clearly shows that our system is messed up. #Justiceforrinji pic.twitter.com/teYA2oZKt2
— paulyaks (@paulyaksz) May 13, 2020