Anger and grief continue to spread across Abuja following the tragic death of a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps, as the victim’s sister has come forward with a disturbing account that sharply contradicts the official version of events released by the military.
The young corps member, identified as Abdulsamad Jamiu, was killed in the early hours of April 25 in the Dei Dei area of the Federal Capital Territory, a development that has since sparked nationwide debate and calls for justice. While the Nigerian Army initially claimed that the victim died after being caught in a crossfire during a gun battle between soldiers and suspected armed robbers, the family has strongly rejected that explanation, insisting that the killing happened inside their home under entirely different circumstances. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
In a viral video that has intensified public outrage, the deceased’s sister narrated her version of the incident, alleging that soldiers forcefully entered their compound by climbing over the fence while pursuing suspected criminals. According to her account, the soldiers proceeded directly into her brother’s room and shot him without any form of confrontation or warning.
She further claimed that the shooting was not accidental in the way authorities have suggested, adding that her brother was hit at close range while inside his room. The emotional testimony has added a human face to the tragedy, as she recounted the shock and horror of witnessing the aftermath of the incident.
Even more troubling are allegations that after the shooting, the soldiers attempted to clean up the scene, including removing visible bloodstains, before later describing the killing as a mistake. These claims have fueled suspicion and anger among residents and observers who are questioning the transparency of the initial military report.
Additional reports from the family suggest that the fatal shot was fired through the door of the victim’s room, striking him in the head and killing him instantly. They argue that the physical evidence, including the trajectory of the bullet, contradicts the claim that he was caught in a crossfire, maintaining instead that he was deliberately or recklessly shot while inside his home.
The Nigerian Army, however, has maintained that the incident occurred during a volatile security operation. According to its statement, troops responding to a distress call about armed robbery came under fire from fleeing suspects, leading to an exchange of gunfire during which the corps member was allegedly hit. The military has described the incident as tragic and has expressed condolences to the family, while also stating that an investigation is underway.
Despite this, the family has dismissed the official narrative as misleading and unacceptable, calling for a thorough and independent probe into the circumstances surrounding the killing. They have also demanded accountability and justice, insisting that those responsible must be identified and prosecuted.
The incident has drawn widespread attention not only because of the circumstances of the death but also because the victim was a young graduate actively serving his country under the NYSC scheme, a program designed to promote national unity and development among Nigerian youths. His death has therefore struck a deeper emotional chord, raising concerns about safety and accountability.
Residents in the Dei Dei area have also expressed unease, with many questioning how a security operation could result in such a fatal outcome inside a private residence. The situation has further reignited conversations about rules of engagement, civilian protection, and the conduct of security personnel during operations in residential communities.
As the controversy continues to unfold, pressure is mounting on authorities to ensure a transparent investigation and provide clarity on what truly happened that night. For now, the grieving family, supported by a growing chorus of concerned Nigerians, continues to demand justice for a life they insist was wrongfully taken.
The tragedy stands as a painful reminder of the fragile line between security operations and civilian safety, and the urgent need for accountability when that line is crossed.
