Family of slain corps member demands retraction and apology from Nigerian Army
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The family of Abdulsamad Jamiu, a National Youth Service Corps member reportedly killed by soldiers in Abuja, has demanded that the Nigerian Army retract its initial "crossfire" statement, calling it an "insult" to his memory. This demand followed a Monday morning visit to the family residence by a military delegation led by Brigadier S.O. Buhari. During the visit, the delegation reportedly admitted they were unaware the house was fenced or that the shooting occurred in a downstairs room, which the family noted contradicts the Army's earlier claim of a "stray bullet." The delegation expressed condolences and assured the family that the officers involved would be investigated. However, the family expressed distrust, stating that military personnel had visited the scene on Sunday before the Army's statement was issued. They are now demanding a formal retraction of the Army's press release and a public apology. The family insists that Jamiu was shot by soldiers inside his home, not caught in a crossfire, and demands justice and a transparent investigation, including identifying the commanding officer, the source of the alleged robbery report, and why force was used without confirming a threat. Jamiu was reportedly killed at approximately 2:00 am on Saturday, one month before completing his national service.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadHabiba Abubakar, mother of Abdulsamad Jamiu, a National Youth Service Corps member allegedly killed by soldiers in Dei-Dei, Abuja, has detailed the night she learned of his death. She was away for a burial when a neighbor called about gunshots. Her husband was initially evasive, telling her soldiers had taken Abdulsamad for interrogation. Her phone was taken from her, and when she eventually got it back, she realized her son was dead. She recounted being told that soldiers scaled their fence, entered through the backyard, and shot her son through his room door. She alleged that soldiers then instructed vigilante members to clean up the blood using items from her kitchen. Abdulsamad, 24, was killed on April 25 at his family home while his parents were absent. The Nigerian Army's Headquarters Guards Brigade claimed Jamiu was caught in a crossfire during a response to a distress call about armed robbers. However, the family rejected this account as "false, misleading, and an affront to the memory of an innocent young man," stating that the bullet trajectory indicated a shot fired from outside through a closed door, inconsistent with a firefight. They also noted no weapons were recovered, no armed adversary was identified, and only one gunshot was heard. The family further alleged that soldiers admitted at the scene, in the presence of a Divisional Police Officer, that they had made a mistake. The family is demanding an independent investigation, suspension and prosecution of tho
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