Dare Babalola
A delegation from the Nigerian Army has visited the family of Abdulsamad Jamiu, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who was killed during a military operation at Shagari Estate in Dei-Dei, Abuja.
The visit follows rising tension over conflicting accounts of the incident involving personnel of the Guards Brigade Quick Response Force, with the bereaved family rejecting the military’s explanation of how their son died.
In an earlier statement, the Guards Brigade had said Jamiu was caught in a crossfire on April 25 when troops responded to a distress call over an alleged armed robbery attack in the area.
According to the statement, troops engaged fleeing suspects in a brief exchange of gunfire, during which the corps member was said to have been fatally hit.
“Upon arrival, the troops came under gunfire from the fleeing armed robbers, resulting in a brief but intense exchange. In the course of the engagement, Mr Jamiu was caught in the crossfire,” the Army had said, adding that efforts were made to secure the area and preserve lives before he was confirmed dead.
However, the family disputed the account, insisting that there was no exchange of gunfire and alleging that their son was shot inside his residence around 2 a.m. on Saturday.
They claimed military personnel entered the estate, approached his room, and fired through the door, stating that the bullet struck him in the head and killed him instantly.
The family has demanded an independent and transparent investigation outside the military chain of command, alongside a public apology and prosecution of those responsible.
In a follow-up development on Monday, the family said a delegation led by S. O. Buhari visited their residence to commiserate with them and inspect the scene of the incident.
According to the family, the delegation said they were not aware the house was fenced and also suggested that the deceased’s room was located downstairs—an explanation the family described as inconsistent with earlier claims that he may have been hit by a stray bullet.
The visiting officers reportedly assured the family that an investigation would be conducted and that those found culpable would be held accountable.
The family, however, maintained its demand for a retraction of the Army’s initial statement, describing it as misleading and hurtful to the memory of their son.
“We reiterate our demand that those responsible for the killing of Abdulsamad Jamiu be brought to justice. This was not an accident,” the family said, insisting that he was shot inside his room by soldiers who entered the premises.
