The family of Abdulsamad Jamiu, a National Youth Service Corps member allegedly shot dead by soldiers of the Guards Brigade Quick Response Force in Shagari Estate, Dei-Dei, Abuja, has narrated the circumstances surrounding his killing.

This comes amid the Nigerian Army’s mourning of Mr Jamiu, whom it claimed was killed in crossfire in Abuja.

In a statement on Sunday, the family said, “Nigerian military personnel discharged a firearm at close range through the door of Abdulsamad’s room. The shot struck Abdulsamad Jamiu in the head, killing him instantly.”

The fatal shooting occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on Saturday.

According to the statement, the corper was in his room with his sister at the time, while their parents were in Okene attending a burial ceremony.

It said a physical examination of the bullet hole showed the trajectory ran from the door into the room and struck the wall, indicating the shot was fired from outside through the closed door.

Following the gunshot, Mr Jamiu’s sister ran downstairs, where soldiers ordered her to go outside and “calm down”.

Neighbours in the estate alerted a vigilance group. When the vigilantes arrived at the crime scene, the soldiers allegedly ordered them to clean the blood-spattered floor. 

According to the statement, the action suggested an attempt by the military to tamper with evidence.

“The body of Abdulsamad Jamiu was subsequently conveyed to Kubwa General Hospital by the police, who had arrived at the scene. The family was compelled to endure hours of statements and administrative paperwork before being granted access to retrieve their son’s remains for burial,” the statement explained.

The family further stated that when the soldiers at the scene were confronted over the killing of their son, they admitted the shooting was a mistake and that an innocent person had been killed.

“This acknowledgement was made in the presence of the divisional police officer and was documented in a written statement,” the statement added.