Outrage has erupted following the killing of NYSC member, Abdulsamad Jamiu, in Abuja, with conflicting narratives from the Nigerian Army and eyewitnesses fueling demands for answers, as the incident in the Dei-Dei area of the Federal Capital Territory continues to draw public attention.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Odunola Olawuyi, said troops of the Quick Response Group were on routine night patrol when they responded to a distress call about an armed robbery. According to the Army, the troops came under fire from fleeing suspects, resulting in a gun duel during which Jamiu was allegedly “caught in the crossfire”.
However, the official account has been strongly disputed by relatives and friends of the deceased, who have presented a different version of events.
In a viral video, a TikTok user identified as #Zarah.2, who claimed to be a relative, alleged that soldiers scaled the fence around 2:00 a.m. and went directly to Jamiu’s room. She claimed they fired through his door twice, hitting him in the head, and insisted the incident was not a case of crossfire.
She further alleged that the soldiers attempted to downplay the incident afterward and described distress within the family following the shooting.
“Around 2am, you just go into somebody’s house … shoot the guy’s door twice and burst his head”, she said, alleging that Jamiu was close to completing his service year.
A friend of the deceased, posting on X as #Mohamazinggg, also corroborated similar claims, alleging that three armed military men forced their way into the house while Jamiu was with his younger siblings. He stated that after Jamiu locked himself in his room for safety, shots were fired through the door, resulting in fatal injuries to his head and stomach.
The friend further alleged that attempts were made to restrict movement within the house after the incident and that help was initially obstructed before the body was eventually taken away.
In response, the Nigerian Army said an investigation had been launched to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the death, assuring that findings would be made public.
“The Brigade has since initiated a thorough investigation to fully ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident. We remain committed to transparency and accountability”, the statement read.
Meanwhile, a TikTok video shared on Monday showed protesters gathering in front of the residence, chanting “Justice for Samad”, as security personnel were seen stationed in the area.
The incident has sparked widespread reactions online, reigniting debates about military conduct in civilian areas and public trust in internal investigations.
