Habiba Abubakar, mother of Abdulsamad Jamiu, the National Youth Service Corps member allegedly killed by soldiers in Dei-Dei, Abuja, has recounted the moment she realised her son was dead.

Her account comes days after the incident that has sparked widespread reactions.

Call That Sparked Fear

Speaking in an interview, the grieving mother said she was away for a burial when a neighbour called to alert her about gunshots in her area.

“I travelled on Thursday… only for me to receive a call… She said she’s hearing gunshots. Fear gripped me,” she said.

She added that repeated attempts to reach her children failed, heightening her anxiety.

Family Tries to Withhold Truth

According to her, when she eventually reached her husband, he initially withheld the full details of what had happened.

“He said, ‘Soldier carried Abdulsamad.’ I said, how? For what? He said they want to interrogate him,” she recalled.

She said her phone was later taken from her as she cried, further deepening her suspicion that something had gone wrong.

“That was when I knew that my son is not alive again,” she said.

Allegations of How Killing Happened

Abubakar alleged that soldiers entered their compound by scaling the fence and went straight to her son’s room.

“They shot him through the door. They shot the door two times,” she said.

She further claimed that after the incident, soldiers directed vigilantes to clean the blood using items taken from her kitchen.

“They entered my kitchen… took bucket and gave the vigilante to mop the blood,” she said.

Grief, Questions, and Demand for Answers

The mother, visibly emotional, questioned why her son was targeted, insisting he was inside his room when the soldiers arrived.

“Who did he offend? I want to know,” she said repeatedly.

The incident has continued to raise concerns, with calls for a thorough and independent investigation.

"Who did he offend? I want to know" — mother of youth corps member killed by soldiers demands answers@DHQNigeria | @HQNigerianArmy | @PoliceNG pic.twitter.com/z7I0s4Rf4T

— TheCable (@thecableng) April 27, 2026

 

A serving National Youth Service Corps member, Abdulsamad Jamiu, has been killed in Abuja after an incident involving soldiers of the Guards Brigade in Dei-Dei.

The incident occurred in the early hours of April 25, 2026, at Shagari Estate during a military patrol operation.

Army Gives Account of Crossfire

In a statement issued by the Nigerian Army, troops under the Guards Brigade Quick Response Group were responding to reports of a robbery attack when they came under heavy gunfire from fleeing suspects.

“During the engagement, Jamiu was caught in the crossfire… he sadly succumbed to his injuries,” the statement said.

The Army described the situation as “volatile,” noting that efforts were made to secure the area and protect residents.

Investigation Ordered

Military authorities confirmed that a full investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The remains of the deceased have been deposited at Kubwa General Hospital, while condolences were extended to his family and the NYSC community.

The Guards Brigade also pledged to review operational procedures to improve civilian safety during such missions.

Family Disputes Military Version

However, a source close to the family rejected the Army’s explanation, alleging that the corps member was not caught in any exchange of gunfire.

“The army is not telling the truth… The soldiers came shooting and killed him. This story of crossfire is a lie,” the source said.

Residents of the estate are reportedly demanding an independent investigation beyond the military’s internal probe.

Mother Cries Out for Justice

In an emotional video circulating online, the deceased’s mother called for justice, expressing deep anguish over the loss.

“Nigeria has happened to me. I need justice… They killed him,” she cried.

The incident has sparked concern over civilian safety during security operations, with calls growing for accountability as investigations continue.