In a tragic occurrence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State on Sunday, a soldier assigned to stop food looting has been accused of shooting and killing a resident of the area.

The incident began when soldiers stationed to protect a distribution centre targeted by looters the night before went into a nearby shop on suspicion of their involvement in the theft. A fight broke out between the shop owners and three soldiers, resulting in a fatal shot.

A soldier misidentified one of the business owners as a looter and engaged him in a physical struggle before shooting him in the chest. The victim was quickly sent to the Federal Medical Center where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The Birnin Kebbi community is in shock and mourning after losing one of its members in such a brutal manner.

Attempts to contact the Nigerian Police Force spokesman in Kebbi State DSP Nafiu Abubakar for comments have been unsuccessful.

The absence of an early reaction from law enforcement officials has heightened community anxiety and confusion as people seek justice and clarification on the matter.