The family of a National Youth Service Corps member, Abdulsamad Jamiu, allegedly killed by soldiers in Abuja, has called for a public apology and retraction of the Nigerian Army’s initial account of the incident, describing it as misleading and disrespectful to the deceased.
The demand followed a condolence visit by a military delegation to the family’s residence on Monday. The team, reportedly led by Brigadier S.O. Buhari, also inspected the scene of the shooting.
In a statement shared on X by a family representative, Abu Bakr, the delegation was said to have acknowledged gaps in its earlier position, including claims that the victim was hit by a stray bullet during a crossfire.
According to the family, the officers admitted they were unaware that the premises were fenced and that the shooting occurred inside a downstairs room details they said contradicted the Army’s earlier narrative.
The delegation reportedly expressed sympathy and assured the family that personnel involved in the incident would be investigated and held accountable.
However, the family rejected the Army’s initial explanation, insisting that the 24-year-old corps member was shot inside his home and not caught in any crossfire.
They demanded a formal withdrawal of the earlier statement and a public apology, maintaining that the account issued by the military undermined the memory of the deceased.
The family also raised concerns over trust, alleging that some military personnel had visited the scene prior to the official statement being released.
They further called for a transparent investigation, seeking clarity on the identity of the officers involved, the source of the reported distress call, and the circumstances that led to the use of force.
The Army had earlier stated that its troops were on a routine patrol when they responded to a distress call over an alleged robbery and subsequently engaged fleeing suspects in a gun duel, during which Jamiu was said to have been hit.
But the family disputed the claim, insisting the incident was not accidental and demanding that those responsible be brought to justice.
Jamiu, who was said to be a month away from completing his national service, was reportedly killed in the early hours of Saturday, a development that has since sparked outrage and renewed calls for accountability.
Watch video HERE
