FATHER OF SLAIN CORPS MEMBER CLAIM SOLDIERS ENTERED HOME BEFORE SHOOTING
Read Time:2 Minute, 24 Second
By: Balogun Ibrahim
Sani Jimoh, father of the late National Youth Service Corps member, Abdulsamad Jamiu, who was allegedly shot dead by soldiers in Dei-Dei, Abuja, has claimed that the Nigerian Army admitted responsibility for the killing and described it as a mistake.
The Media earlier reported that the Guards Brigade Headquarters of the Nigerian Army stated that the deceased was accidentally hit by stray bullets during a gunfight with suspected armed robbers.
In a statement issued last Sunday, the Brigade’s spokesperson, Odunola Olawuyi, explained that troops had responded to a distress call about an ongoing robbery operation and encountered gunfire from fleeing suspects.
The statement noted that during the exchange of fire, Jamiu was caught in the crossfire. The Army described the incident as unfortunate, adding that efforts were made to secure the area and protect residents, although the victim later died from his injuries.
On Monday, a delegation from the Nigerian Army reportedly visited the family to sympathise with them and assess the scene of the incident.
However, the deceased’s family rejected the Army’s version of events, insisting that there was no evidence of a gun battle.
Speaking with The Media during a visit to the family home, Jimoh recounted that he and his wife were in Kogi State for a burial ceremony when their daughter contacted them around 2 a.m. on April 25 over the incident.
According to him, soldiers claimed they had entered the compound while pursuing a suspected thief. He said the operatives told him they noticed disturbed barbed wire at the back of the house and suspected someone had jumped into the compound.
Jimoh said the soldiers further explained that the main entrance appeared unlocked, which allowed them access into the building before they allegedly attempted to force open his son’s room.
He questioned how the situation escalated into a fatal shooting, maintaining that his son was inside his room at the time he was killed.
According to the grieving father, the soldiers later admitted the shooting was accidental and appealed for calm.
Jimoh also revealed that the Divisional Police Officer in Dei-Dei described the incident as a regrettable act of negligence and requested a written statement and undertaking from the family before releasing the body.
The deceased’s sister, Jamiu Farida, also recounted her experience, saying she woke up to gunshots and was later dragged by soldiers.
She said she pleaded with the soldiers not to hurt her, initially believing they intended to inform her that her brother had escaped, only to later discover his lifeless body on the floor with part of his brain beside him.
Farida further alleged that one of the soldiers warned her against speaking about the incident, while vigilante members were later invited to clean up the scene. She claimed the bloodstains were cleaned and the victim’s remains were buried nearby.
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