ALLEGED ASSAULT IN MARSHAL’S CUSTODY CLAIMS LIFE OF TARABA TEENAGER
Read Time:3 Minute, 20 Second
By:Tajudeen Aminat
Death of Taraba Teenager in Alleged Marshal Assault Triggers Outrage, Calls for Probe
The death of 15-year-old Busang Ayuka, allegedly after being assaulted by operatives of the Taraba State Marshal, has sparked widespread outrage, with residents, civil society groups and other stakeholders demanding an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Busang, a resident of Angwan Alfa in Serti B, Gashaka Local Government Area, reportedly died on Friday at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo, after allegedly sustaining serious injuries while in the custody of Taraba State Marshal operatives in Baruwa.
The incident has renewed concerns over the conduct of security personnel during enforcement operations, with many questioning the level of accountability within agencies tasked with maintaining law and order.
According to reports, the incident began after a disagreement between Busang and a friend over a missing MP3 player and power bank. The friend allegedly accused the teenager of taking the items and reported the matter to the Taraba State Marshal office, leading to Busang’s arrest.
His family claims he was brutally assaulted while in custody, although the agency has not officially explained how he sustained the injuries that allegedly led to his death.
Speaking amid tears, Busang’s mother, Mrs. Hasena Ayuka, said the complainant first approached her on the night of the incident, accusing her son of stealing the missing items before taking the matter to the Marshal office.
“The following day, which was Sunday, officers of the Taraba State Marshal arrested my son. Later, they asked me to come to the CRCN Hospital in Gashaka, where I found him lying half-dead,” she recounted.
Mrs. Ayuka dismissed claims allegedly made by the operatives that her son developed an ulcer while in custody.
“My son never had an ulcer. When I saw him, his neck appeared broken, parts of his body were swollen, and he could not speak. From that moment until he died, he never regained consciousness,” she alleged.
She said Busang was initially treated at the CRCN Hospital in Baruwa before being referred to the Federal Medical Centre in Jalingo as his condition worsened.
“My family wants to know why my son was killed. Whatever the allegation against him, nobody has the right to take his life. We want justice for Busang,” she said.
The exact circumstances surrounding the alleged assault remain unclear, as no official account has detailed what happened during the teenager’s detention or whether due process was followed.
The lack of clarity has intensified calls for a transparent and independent investigation. Residents insist that only a thorough inquiry can establish the facts and determine whether any laws or operational procedures were breached.
Community members have urged the Taraba State Government and relevant security agencies to ensure a comprehensive investigation and prosecute anyone found culpable.
Many residents say the incident goes beyond the death of one teenager, arguing that it highlights broader concerns about the treatment of civilians during law enforcement operations and the need for greater professionalism, respect for human rights and stronger oversight of security agencies.
Legal observers also note that the outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for public confidence in institutions responsible for enforcing the law.
Reacting to the allegations, the Commandant of the Taraba State Marshal, retired Commissioner of Police Agyole Asenya Abeh, said the agency operates within the confines of the law.
He stated that personnel are regularly reminded to respect citizens’ rights and carry out their duties professionally, adding that any operative found to have acted unlawfully would be held individually accountable.
Abeh described culpable homicide as a serious criminal offence and noted that the Nigeria Police Force is the appropriate agency to investigate such allegations.
He appealed to residents and members of the Marshal Security Guard to refrain from drawing conclusions until investigations are concluded.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had not issued an official statement or confirmed whether an investigation or any arrests had been made.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0