A tragic incident unfolded in Kwamba, Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, when a 16-year-old boy allegedly shot his 15-year-old friend with his father’s firearm, leaving the victim dead.
The deceased, Titus Joseph, reportedly sustained a fatal stomach injury after Emmanuel Danladi allegedly picked up a loaded dane gun belonging to his father, Danladi Baba, a member of a local vigilante group, while the two boys were playing at Emmanuel’s home on March 1.
Police operatives from the Maje Division promptly responded to the scene and conveyed the victim’s body to Suleja General Hospital. Emmanuel and his father were subsequently arrested on suspicion of negligence and culpable homicide.
The firearm involved was recovered as evidence, and both suspects, along with the weapon, were transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Minna for further investigation.
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Confirming the development in a statement on Friday, the Niger State Police Command spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, said the case remains under investigation ahead of prosecution.
He stated, “On March 1, 2026, around 6 p.m., a report was received at Maje Division that Emmanuel Danladi, 16, of Kwamba, Suleja, was playing with his friend, Titus Joseph, 15, when he picked a loaded dane gun belonging to his father and shot Titus at close range, causing his death.
The police responded, and the corpse was taken to General Hospital, Suleja. The suspect and his father were arrested for negligence and culpable homicide. The firearm was recovered and the suspects were transferred to SCID, Minna, for further investigation and prosecution”.
The deceased, Titus Joseph, was described by neighbors as a cheerful and studious boy who had been looking forward to returning to school after the short break. His sudden death has left the community in shock and mourning, with parents expressing deep concern over children’s access to firearms at home.
Local authorities have urged parents to exercise extreme caution and ensure that guns are securely stored, emphasizing that incidents like this are preventable. “This tragedy highlights the urgent need for responsible gun ownership and education on firearm safety in households,” said a community leader in Suleja.
The Niger State Police Command has assured residents that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine all contributing factors, including possible negligence on the part of the father. They confirmed that the suspects would face appropriate legal action once the investigation is complete.
Meanwhile, child rights organizations in the state have called for stricter enforcement of laws regarding minors and access to weapons. They warned that without proactive measures, similar incidents could continue to occur, endangering the lives of young people across the region.
News Express
