The family of a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Abdulsamad Jamiu, killed during a military operation in Abuja, has rejected the army’s claim that he died from stray bullets during a gunfight with armed robbers.
Jamiu was killed in the early hours of April 25, at Shagari Estate, Dei-Dei, when troops of the Guards Brigade Quick Response Force reportedly responded to a distress call in the area.
In its initial account, the army said soldiers came under fire from fleeing armed robbers and that Jamiu was caught in the crossfire during a “brief but intense exchange of gunfire.”
The military added that despite efforts to secure the area, the corps member succumbed to his injuries.
However, in a statement on Sunday, the family disputed the explanation, insisting that physical evidence at the scene shows Jamiu was shot at close range inside his room.
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According to the family, soldiers entered the estate by scaling the fence and fired a shot through the closed door of Jamiu’s room around 2 a.m., killing him instantly.
They said the trajectory of the bullet, as seen from the door to the wall inside the room, supports their claim.
“The shot was fired from outside the room through a closed door,” the family stated, adding that no evidence of an exchange of gunfire was found at the scene.
They further argued that no weapon was recovered from the premises and no armed suspect was identified or apprehended, challenging the army’s assertion of a crossfire situation.
The family also noted that the estate gate was not damaged during the incident and that no robbery was reported in the area that night.
They alleged that Jamiu’s sister, who was present in the house, heard the gunshot and rushed downstairs, only to be instructed by soldiers to remain calm and move outside.
The statement also raised concerns over claims that members of a local vigilante group were allegedly asked by soldiers to clean up blood at the scene, a move the family said could have compromised evidence.
Jamiu’s body was later taken to Kubwa General Hospital by police officers.
The family said they were later informed that soldiers admitted the shooting was a mistake and that an innocent person had been killed, an admission they claim was made in the presence of the divisional police officer and documented in writing.
They are now demanding an independent and transparent investigation outside the military chain of command, identification and prosecution of those responsible, a retraction of the army’s earlier statement, and a formal public apology.
The incident has sparked concerns over civilian safety during military operations in residential areas and calls for stricter accountability in security engagements.
