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Amnesty International has called for an urgent investigation into the alleged reckless use of firearms by military personnel that reportedly led to the death of a 14-year-old girl in Maiduguri, Borno State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the human rights organisation said the secondary school student was fatally struck by a stray bullet on Saturday, 4 April, while inside her family home.
According to Amnesty International, the gun was allegedly fired by military personnel engaged in celebratory gunfire at a wedding taking place at a nearby event centre — a practice long criticised for its dangers to public safety.
The incident has left the victim’s family and community in shock, with a family friend recounting the final moments before the tragedy.
The teenager, who lived with her family in the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) quarters, had been preparing for a wedding celebration when her life was abruptly cut short.
“She had just finished applying henna for her mother and herself, excitedly getting ready for a family wedding scheduled for that day,” the source said. “She was indoors when the bullet struck. It is a devastating loss.”
Amnesty International described the killing as entirely preventable, stressing that such incidents highlight the grave consequences of irresponsible firearm use.
The organisation confirmed that the young girl was laid to rest on Sunday at the Maiduguri cemetery, noting that her loved ones are now grappling with grief and searching for answers.
Her death, Amnesty said, underscores the urgent need for accountability.
“We call for a transparent, impartial and effective investigation into this incident,” the group said, urging authorities to take concrete steps to safeguard civilian lives and ensure justice for the victim.
Efforts to obtain official reactions were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, said he had yet to receive details of the incident and could not comment. Similarly, calls and messages to Nahum Daso, spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, were not answered.
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