The father of a slain National Youth Service Corps member, Sani Jimoh, has revealed that military operatives admitted his son’s death was a mistake, as the family continues to challenge the official account of the incident in Abuja.
Recall that his son, Abdulsamad Jamiu, was reportedly killed on April 25 in Dei-Dei, Shagari Estate, during an operation by troops of the Guards Brigade Quick Response Force.
In an earlier statement, the Nigerian Army said the corps member was caught in a crossfire when soldiers responded to a distress call from residents who were allegedly under attack by armed robbers.
According to the military, troops came under gunfire from fleeing suspects upon arrival, leading to a brief exchange that resulted in Jamiu’s death.
However, the family has strongly rejected this version of events. Speaking on the development, Sani Jimoh said military personnel who visited the family acknowledged that the killing was an error.
On Monday, a delegation from the army visited the bereaved family to offer condolences and assess the scene of the incident.
Despite the visit, the family insisted that available evidence contradicts the claim of a gun battle, maintaining that the deceased was shot when soldiers entered the estate around 2 a.m.
