The father of a National Youth Service Corps member allegedly killed in Dei-Dei, Abuja, has claimed that the Nigerian Army admitted responsibility for his son’s death, describing it as a mistake.
Sani Jimoh, father of the deceased, Abdulsamad Jamiu, said soldiers who visited the family acknowledged the fatal shooting, contradicting the earlier account by the Nigerian Army.
The Army, through the Guards Brigade, had initially stated that Jamiu was caught in crossfire during a gun battle between troops and suspected armed robbers. According to the Brigade’s spokesperson, Odunola Olawuyi, soldiers had responded to a distress call and came under fire from fleeing suspects, leading to a brief exchange of gunfire in which the corps member was hit.
However, Jimoh rejected the explanation, insisting that evidence at the scene does not support claims of a shootout. He said the soldiers told him they had entered his compound while pursuing a suspected thief but did not find the suspect.
According to him, the troops claimed they gained entry into the house after noticing signs that someone may have jumped into the compound. He added that they attempted to force open his son’s room, where Jamiu was at the time.
The bereaved father questioned how the situation escalated into a fatal shooting, maintaining that his son was inside his room when he was killed. He further alleged that the soldiers admitted wrongdoing during their interaction with him.
“They said, ‘Oga, calm down, it was a mistake,’” Jimoh recounted.
He also revealed that the Divisional Police Officer in Dei-Dei described the incident as an unfortunate and careless error, adding that the police requested a written statement and undertaking before releasing the body.
Jamiu’s sister, Farida, also gave a disturbing account, alleging that she was awakened by gunshots and later dragged by soldiers. She claimed she feared for her life and only later realised her brother had been killed.
Farida further alleged that soldiers attempted to suppress information about the incident and called in vigilante members to clean the scene.
The incident has sparked concerns and raised questions over the circumstances surrounding the killing, with the family demanding clarity and accountability.