A shootout has been reported in Kano metropolis where alleged members of the Boko Haram sect were said to have attacked security agents at a roadblock along Maiduguri road in Kundila Estate.

The Punch reported that the roadblock was erected at the roundabout near Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano. The attack occurred at about 2:15 p.m. and the gunmen were said to have emerged from the nearby estate.

They opened fire on the roadblock and security agents returned fire, forcing the gunmen to flee, the reports said.

More security agents flooded the area, blocking entry and exit points. A house to house search was conducted in hopes of finding the culprits.

Meanwhile, protests broke out in another part of northern Nigeria’s largest city of Kano over the brutal killing of a 12-year-old boy.

Residents identified him as Hassan Muhammad. He was allegedly killed by a police sergeant attached to Gwale divisional station, identified as Laminu Adamu.

The young boy died from the fatal injury on his way to the hospital, sparking protests in the area. Riot police were deployed to the area, further angering the residents.

Kano state police spokesman, ASP Magaji Musa Majia confirmed the shooting in press statement, saying “the command noted with deep regret the unfortunate incident that occurred at Gwale in which 12-year-old boy was shot by Sergeant Laminu Adamu”.

He said the sergeant had fired the shot from a patrol vehicle hitting the deceased, according to the Vanguard. He assured members of the family of the deceased that justice would be served in the matter and that the “process will be fair and open”.