ZARIA MAN BEATEN TO DEATH WAS NOT A THIEF, SAYS FAMILY FRIEND. (PHOTO).

 Zaria Man Beaten To Death Was Not A Thief, Says Family Friend

A family friend of a man identified as Dattijo, who was beaten to death in Jushi, Zaria, has debunked reports claiming he was a thief.

An earlier report by SAHARA REPORTERS stated that the crisis began when a Hausa boy allegedly entered a woman’s house in a Yoruba community and was caught. He was reportedly beaten by members of the community and died after being taken to the Sarki’s palace.

However, a friend of one of the deceased's brothers, who spoke with KADUNA POLITICAL AFFAIRS, claimed that Dattijo was not a thief.

He added that Dattijo had merely been resting in the Yoruba community after working on the farm when an operative of the Kaduna Vigilante Service (KADVS) harassed him and falsely accused him of theft.

He said, “The incident happened because he was sitting in front of a house, resting after returning from the farm. Then a KADVS operative approached him and started harassing him, saying, ‘What are you doing here? Didn’t I warn you several times?’ The operative began beating him and shouting ‘thief’ until Dattijo couldn’t breathe properly. They then took him to the Emir’s Palace and reported him as a thief.”

“This incident led the residents of Anguwan Mai Godo to seek revenge. However, they couldn’t retaliate because those they targeted were hiding in their homes. The only damage done was to some properties, which isn’t enough. But instead of telling the truth, people are spreading falsehoods. I call on whoever is spreading these lies to retract the statements and apologize to Dattijo’s family.”