‘They Killed Him, Nigeria Has Happened To Me’ – Mother Of NYSC Member Killed In Abuja

ABUJA, NIGERIA  — Heart-wrenching cries for justice have filled the air as the mother of slain National Youth Service Corps member, Abdulsamad Jamiu, lamented the tragic loss of her son in a manner many Nigerians now describe as “Nigeria has happened to me.”

In a deeply emotional video that has gone viral on social media, the distraught woman broke down uncontrollably, demanding answers over the killing of her son during a security operation at Shagari Estate in the Dei-Dei area of the Federal Capital Territory. “Here we are today, Nigeria has happened to me. I need justice, please. They killed him. They came for him,” she wept bitterly, a clip first circulated widely by Abuja-based social media handlers and later amplified across platforms.

NaijaChoice News reports that the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, April 25, 2026, when troops of the Guards Brigade Quick Response Group responded to a distress call over an alleged armed robbery attack in the estate. The military maintained that Jamiu was caught in the crossfire during an exchange of gunfire with suspected robbers, and he later succumbed to his injuries despite efforts to save him. His remains were deposited at Kubwa General Hospital.

However, the family has strongly rejected the army’s crossfire narrative, insisting that soldiers forced entry into their home around 2:00 a.m., jumped the fence, and shot Jamiu in the head while he was inside his locked bedroom. Eyewitness accounts and family statements claim there were no armed robbers in the vicinity at the time, and some personnel allegedly admitted it was a mistake before the official statement was issued. Bullet holes and bloodstains reportedly found in the room have further fueled calls for an independent investigation.

Reacting to the public outrage, the Headquarters Guards Brigade expressed regret over the death. In a statement signed by Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Olawuyi Odunola, the command described the incident as tragic and heartbreaking.

“We share in their grief and stand in solidarity with the family of the deceased, the NYSC, and others affected by this painful loss,” Odunola stated. The Brigade confirmed that a full investigation has been launched to ascertain the exact circumstances, promising transparency and accountability.

The statement further disclosed that troops were on routine night patrol when they received the distress call, leading to a brief but intense engagement with fleeing suspects. It reaffirmed the Guards Brigade’s commitment to protecting lives and property in the FCT while reviewing operational procedures to better safeguard civilians.

“Guards Brigade affirms its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property within the Federal Capital Territory. We will continue to review our operational procedures to further enhance civilian safety, even as our troops confront criminal elements who threaten the peace of our communities,” the statement added. Residents were urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.

The death of the young corps member has sparked widespread condemnation on social media, with many questioning the safety of NYSC participants serving in various parts of the country. Calls for #JusticeForAbdulsamad have trended, as sympathisers organised candlelight processions and demanded a thorough, independent probe beyond the military’s internal investigation.

As the family continues to mourn the promising young man who had reportedly just completed his service and secured employment, Nigerians are watching closely to see how authorities will handle this latest case of alleged extrajudicial killing involving security operatives.

“Nigeria has happened to me — I need justice for my child” — Mother of slain NYSC member killed by soldiers cries out pic.twitter.com/zTYp1GHYKx

— The Yoruba Times (@TheYorubaTimes) April 27, 2026