Amanze Chinonye
Reactions have continued to trail the killing of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Abdulsamad Jamiu, with the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Heebah Kingibe, and the National Youth Service Corps issuing statements amid growing public scrutiny, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a press release on Monday, Kingibe expressed grief over the incident, describing it as “tragic” and calling for a thorough and transparent investigation.
“I am deeply saddened and heartbroken by the tragic death of Abdulsamad Jamiu, a young Nigerian who lost his life in an unfortunate incident involving personnel of the Nigerian Army,” she said.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelREAD ALSO :
Army Delegation Visits Family of Slain NYSC Member as Controversy Deepens
The senator noted that while preliminary reports suggested the shooting may have been accidental, the consequences remained devastating, stressing the need for greater professionalism in security operations.
“This painful loss is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for heightened caution and professionalism in all security operations,” she added.
Kingibe further urged authorities to ensure accountability and implement reforms aimed at improving coordination between security agencies and civilians, as well as strengthening the protection of corps members nationwide.
Meanwhile, the NYSC management also confirmed the death of the 24-year-old corps member, who was serving at Government Junior Secondary School, Bakin Ado in Nasarawa State at the time of the incident.
In its statement, the scheme said Jamiu died during a military operation near his residence in Shagari Estate, Dei-Dei, Abuja, in the early hours of April 26.
READ MORE :
The NYSC expressed condolences to the family and stated that it was engaging relevant security agencies to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The Scheme is actively engaging with relevant security agencies to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement read, while reaffirming its commitment to the safety and welfare of corps members across the country.
However, the NYSC’s response has drawn criticism from the deceased’s family, who accused the scheme of inconsistency and failing in its duty of care.
In a reaction, a family representative questioned the basis of the NYSC’s claim that Jamiu was killed during a military operation, noting that the same statement indicated that investigations were still ongoing.
“If you are still ascertaining the full circumstances, how have you already concluded it was a military operation?” the representative asked.
The family also criticised the scheme for what it described as delayed response and alleged alignment with the account earlier provided by the Nigerian Army, which has been disputed.
Raising further questions, the representative queried the nature of the operation referenced by authorities, asking for clarity on its designation, command structure, and outcomes.
The latest developments add to the growing controversy surrounding Jamiu’s death, as conflicting accounts from the military, the family, and now public institutions continue to fuel demands for an independent and transparent investigation.
Authorities are yet to release definitive findings on the circumstances of the incident as of press time.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
