The mother of a slain National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Abdulsamad Jamiu, has shared a heartbreaking account of the tragic events that led to her son’s death in Dei-Dei, Abuja.
Habiba Abubakar narrated how what began as a normal trip quickly turned into a nightmare after she received a distressing call from a neighbour in the early hours of the morning.
According to her, the neighbour reported hearing gunshots in their area, sparking immediate fear and confusion.
Efforts to reach her children proved unsuccessful, as phone lines were either switched off or busy. When she eventually contacted her husband, he initially withheld the full details, only stating that soldiers had taken their son for questioning.
However, the lack of clarity and the tense situation heightened her anxiety.
Abubakar said her worst fears were confirmed upon her return to Abuja, where she was informed that her 24-year-old son had been killed.
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Recounting what she later learned, she alleged that soldiers entered their compound by scaling the fence and proceeded directly to Abdulsamad’s room. She claimed he was shot through his door while inside, contradicting claims of any exchange of gunfire.
The Nigerian Army, however, maintained that the deceased was caught in crossfire during an operation responding to a reported robbery incident.
According to military authorities, troops had come under attack from fleeing suspects, and the death occurred during the engagement.
The family has strongly rejected this account, insisting that available evidence does not support the Army’s version of events. They argue that the nature of the shooting suggests a targeted act rather than an accidental crossfire.
They have called for an independent investigation into the incident, the prosecution of those involved, and a formal apology from the military, describing the killing as a grave violation of the responsibility to protect civilians.
The incident has since sparked outrage and renewed concerns over the conduct of security operatives, with many Nigerians demanding justice for the deceased corps member.
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