Stray bullet from soldiers’ celebration kills teenager in Maiduguri

A 14-year-old girl has been killed by a stray bullet allegedly fired by military personnel during celebratory gunfire at a wedding in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The tragic incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, April 4, while the teenager was inside her home in the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) quarters.

According to Amnesty International, the bullet was fired by soldiers celebrating at a nearby event centre.

A family friend disclosed that the victim had been preparing to attend the same wedding before the incident occurred.

“She had just finished applying henna for her mother and herself, joyfully preparing for a family wedding scheduled for that same day,” the source said.

The rights organisation described the killing as preventable, noting that the teenager was struck while indoors, raising concerns over the reckless use of firearms in civilian areas.

Amnesty International confirmed that the victim was buried on Sunday at the Maiduguri graveyard, adding that her family and loved ones have been left devastated and searching for answers.

The group called on Nigerian authorities to conduct a “transparent, impartial and effective investigation” into the incident and ensure those responsible are held accountable.

It further warned that the continued misuse of firearms, particularly during celebrations, poses serious risks to public safety and must be addressed through stricter enforcement and discipline.

The incident has renewed concerns over the dangers of celebratory gunfire and the need for stronger safeguards to protect civilians.