Ireti Kingibe, senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has called for a thorough investigation into the killing of Abdulsamad Jamiu, a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, by soldiers of the guards brigade quick response force at Shagari estate in Dei-Dei, Abuja.
The Guards Brigade headquarters had said Jamiu was caught in a crossfire on Saturday, April 25, when troops responded to a distress call from residents reportedly under attack by armed robbers.
However, the deceased NYSC member’s family rejected the military’s claim, noting that their son was killed at about 2am on Saturday when military personnel entered the estate.
The family said the military personnel “discharged a firearm at close range through the door of Jamiu’s room”, adding that “the shot struck him in the head, killing him instantly”.
Hours after the family’s rebuttal, a delegation of the Nigerian Army, led by S. O. Buhari, visited their residence to offer condolences and inspect the scene of the incident.
Reacting to the development, Kingibe described Jamiu’s death as “a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for heightened caution and professionalism in all security operations.”
In a statement she personally signed, the lawmaker said while preliminary reports indicate that the incident was “an accidental shooting”, the consequences are “devastating and irreversible”.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the parents, family, and loved ones of the deceased,” the statement reads.
“The grief of losing a child under such circumstances is unimaginable, and as a nation, we share in their sorrow.
“No family should have to endure such pain, especially when their child was serving the country with dedication under the National Youth Service Corps scheme.”
Kingibe acknowledged the response of the Nigerian Army to the incident but demanded “a thorough, transparent, and accountable investigation to ensure that justice is served and that lessons are learned”.
According to her, the tragic occurrence underscores the urgent need to strengthen rules of engagement, improve coordination between security agencies and civilians, and ensure that young Nigerians are adequately protected at all times.
The senator said preventable incidents such as Jamiu’s killing must never be allowed to happen again.
She promised to continue engagement with relevant authorities to push for reforms that prioritise the safety of citizens and restore public confidence in the country’s security institutions.
“May the soul of Addulsamad Jamiu rest in peace, and may God grant his family the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” she prayed.
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