Nigerian Army personnel have allegedly threatened the family of a final-year student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, Niger State, who was reportedly shot dead during a protest over a land dispute in Wawa community, Borgu Local Government Area of the state.
SaharaReporters learnt that the family of the deceased, Ismail Ishaq Magaji, has come under pressure from individuals allegedly connected to the military after raising concerns over his death and demanding accountability.
Family members who spoke exclusively to SaharaReporters on Saturday alleged that they had received threatening phone calls from hidden numbers, warning them to stop speaking to journalists about the circumstances surrounding Magaji’s death.
According to the family, the callers specifically warned them against telling journalists that military personnel were responsible for the student’s death.
The family members also alleged that they were asked to “forgive and forget” the incident rather than pursue accountability for Magaji’s death.
One of the family members told SaharaReporters: “They have been threatening us because we have been telling journalists what happened to Ismail. They don’t want us to say that their personnel were responsible for his death.”
The family member said the calls were made using hidden numbers, making it difficult for them to identify the individuals behind the threats.
“They called us with hidden numbers and warned us to stop talking to journalists. They told us that we should forgive and forget what happened and move on,” the family member said.
The family said the threats increased after they began considering reporting the matter formally to the Nigerian Army’s higher authorities.
“We are already planning to report the matter to the Defence Headquarters because we want to know who killed our son and why. Since they became aware that we want to take the matter further, the threats have increased,” the source said.
Another relative said the family would not stop seeking answers despite the alleged intimidation.
“We are not looking for trouble. We only want justice for Ismail. He was a final-year student and he was killed. We cannot just forgive and forget without knowing what happened and without anybody being held accountable,” the family source said.
Magaji, a final-year student of IBBU, Lapai, was reportedly shot during a confrontation involving youths and security personnel deployed to Wawa following the escalation of a land dispute.
Community sources who witnessed the incident previously told SaharaReporters that the shooting occurred last Thursday amid a protest by youths over the disputed land.
The sources alleged that the dispute involved Magaji’s cousin, Hajia Zainab, popularly known as “Zee Baby,” a female politician from Borgu.
According to the sources, Zainab allegedly invited soldiers to the community after the land dispute escalated and youths began protesting.
One eyewitness previously told SaharaReporters that a soldier allegedly chased Magaji before shooting him.
“It was not like an accidental discharge. He was running and the soldier went after him,” the source said.
Another community source said the shooting occurred amid a confrontation between youths and soldiers deployed to the area.
“There was a confrontation between the youths and the soldiers. Ismail was there when the shooting happened. He was hit by the bullet and people immediately rushed him to the hospital,” the source said.
SaharaReporters had also obtained a video showing Magaji receiving medical attention at a hospital shortly after he was shot.
The footage showed medical personnel and people around the student attempting to save his life, but he subsequently died.
His death triggered anger among youths in the community, who reportedly attacked the residence of Zee Baby and set it on fire. There was also reported destruction at the disputed land.
“When the news got around that Ismail had died, the youths became very angry. They went to the house of Zee Baby and set it on fire. There was also destruction at the disputed land,” a community source said.
The incident heightened tension in Wawa, prompting the Chairman of Borgu Local Government Area, Hon. Muhammad Nasir Abdullahi, popularly known as Lambus, to reportedly declare a state of emergency in the town.
Security personnel were also deployed to the area to prevent further violence and restore calm.
SaharaReporters contacted the Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Onyinyechi Anele, for reaction to these allegations. She had not responded to calls and text messages sent to her as at the time of filing this report.
(SaharaReporters)
