They told me it was a mistake, says father of slain corps member

The tragic death of Abdulsamad Jamiu, a National Youth Service Corps member, has sent shockwaves through the community, and his grieving father, Sani Jimoh, is demanding answers. The Nigerian Army's explanation that his son was caught in a "crossfire" during an encounter with armed robbers has been met with strong disbelief and rejection by the family.

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They said that Oga calm down, and it was a mistake.

Jimoh recounted a harrowing account where soldiers allegedly entered his compound while pursuing a thief. He insists his son was inside his room when the fatal incident occurred. The father's distress is palpable as he questions how a pursuit of a suspected thief could escalate into the shooting death of his son within his own home. The soldiers' reported admission of it being a "mistake" only deepens the family's anguish and suspicion.

Adding to the family's pain, the Divisional Police Officer in Dei-Dei reportedly described the incident as an "unfortunate and careless error." This characterization, while acknowledging a mistake, does little to comfort the bereaved parents who are grappling with the loss of their child under such violent and questionable circumstances. The family's insistence on physical evidence contradicting the Army's narrative highlights a deep-seated distrust and a desperate plea for a thorough and transparent investigation.

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I pleaded with them that if I get down, they should not harm me.

From a Nigerian perspective, this incident raises critical questions about the conduct of security forces and the accountability mechanisms in place. While the Army has offered condolences and visited the family, the family's rejection of the official account underscores a broader concern about the narrative control exerted by authorities in sensitive cases. The demand for justice and truth in this case reflects a societal yearning for assurance that such "mistakes" are not only investigated but also prevented, and that the lives of citizens, especially young ones serving their nation, are protected.

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Upon arrival, the troops came under gunfire from the fleeing armed robbers, resulting in a brief but intense exchange. In the course of the engagement, Mr Jamiu was caught in the crossfire.