Family Disputes Army’s Account of Corps Member’s Death in Abuja
The family of a National Youth Service Corps member, Abdulsamad Jamiu, has rejected the Nigerian Army’s explanation of the circumstances surrounding his death in Dei-Dei, Abuja, insisting he was shot by soldiers inside his residence.
The Army had stated that the 24-year-old was caught in crossfire on April 25 when troops responded to a distress call over an alleged armed robbery in the area. According to the military, soldiers came under gunfire from fleeing suspects during the operation, leading to a brief exchange in which Jamiu was fatally injured.
However, the family has challenged this account, describing it as false and misleading. They maintained that the incident occurred in the early hours of the same day at his home in the Shagari Quarters area, while his parents were away attending a burial in Kogi State.
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According to the family, soldiers entered the compound around 2:00 a.m. and shot Jamiu through his bedroom door. They stated that his sister, who was present in the house, heard the gunshot and was instructed by the soldiers to remain calm and step outside.
The family argued that the trajectory of the bullet indicated it was fired from outside the room through a closed door, a detail they said contradicts the claim of a crossfire. They also disputed the presence of any armed confrontation, noting that no weapons were recovered and that residents reported hearing only a single gunshot.
Further concerns were raised over the manner in which the soldiers allegedly gained access to the compound, with the family claiming they scaled the fence rather than using the entrance. They said this raises questions about the nature of the operation and whether it was conducted lawfully.
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The family also alleged that personnel at the scene admitted responsibility for the shooting, describing it as a mistake, and expressed concern over reports that vigilante members were asked to clean the scene, which they said could affect evidence.
They have called for an independent and transparent investigation into the incident, the identification and prosecution of those involved, and a public apology from the military.
The Army had earlier described the incident as tragic, stating that efforts were made to secure the area and protect residents during the operation. The case has continued to draw attention as questions remain over the circumstances leading to the corps member’s death.
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