A wave of tension swept through Barnawa, a busy suburb in Kaduna South Local Government Area, on Monday evening following the alleged shooting death of a young man by a National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operative.
Eyewitnesses reported that the victim, described by locals as a “quiet and hardworking” individual, was accidentally hit by a stray bullet during an NDLEA operation targeting a suspected drug dealer near the Barnawa Market junction a hotspot known for its lively nightlife.
The incident sparked angry protests, road blockades, and forced the closure of popular entertainment venues in the area.
One resident, Musa, recounted how operatives arrived in an unmarked vehicle, chasing a man believed to be carrying narcotics when the tragic shooting occurred.
“They were shouting at him to stop, then one of them fired a shot. It hit someone who was just passing by, he had nothing to do with it,” Musa recounted.
As news of the incident spread, an enraged crowd of youths gathered at the scene, blocking the main Barnawa–Aliyu Makama road with burning tyres and chanting anti-security slogans.
“This is one killing too many. They always claim to be chasing criminals, but innocent people keep dying. This must not be swept under the carpet,” said a protester, Aisha Nuhu.
The unrest, which began around 6:00pm, brought commercial activities to a halt.
Traders shut their shops, while popular bars, eateries, and street-side hangouts closed early. The usually lively Barnawa streets became eerily silent.
Bello, a commercial tricycle operator, described the chaos: “The road was blocked with tyres and stones. People were shouting, and at first, there were no security operatives in sight. I had to take alternative routes for hours,” he said.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Mansir Hassan confirmed the incident in a WhatsApp message to journalists, stating: “Yes, we have received the information about the incident and the CP has ordered a full-scale investigation.”
By late evening, additional police patrol teams had been deployed to disperse the protesters and restore order. While some demonstrators withdrew, others vowed to continue until justice was served.
As of press time, the Kaduna State Government had not issued an official statement, and the NDLEA was yet to comment on the incident.
