The family of Ismail Ishaq Magaji, a final-year student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) in Lapai, Niger State, has come under pressure from individuals allegedly connected to the military. According to the family, they received threatening phone calls from hidden numbers, warning them to stop speaking to journalists about the circumstances surrounding Magaji's death. The callers specifically warned them against telling journalists that military personnel were responsible for the student's death.
Magaji was reportedly shot dead 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 stated that the shooting occurred amid a protest by youths over the disputed land. The dispute allegedly involved Magaji's cousin, Hajia Zainab, a female politician from Borgu.
The family members alleged that they were asked to "forgive and forget" the incident rather than pursue accountability for Magaji's death. One of the family members stated that the calls were made using hidden numbers, making it difficult for them to identify the individuals behind the threats. The threats increased after the family began considering reporting the matter formally to the Nigerian Army's higher authorities.
The incident triggered anger among youths in the community, who reportedly attacked the residence of Hajia Zainab and set it on fire. There was also reported destruction at the disputed land. The Chairman of Borgu Local Government Area, Hon. Muhammad Nasir Abdullahi, declared a state of emergency in the town, and security personnel were deployed to prevent further violence and restore calm.
According to eyewitnesses, a soldier allegedly chased Magaji before shooting him. The shooting was not like an accidental discharge, but rather a deliberate act. The community sources also stated that Zainab allegedly invited soldiers to the community after the land dispute escalated and youths began protesting.
SaharaReporters 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. The family stated that they would not stop seeking answers despite the alleged intimidation, and they plan to report the matter to the Defence Headquarters.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Onyinyechi Anele, had not responded to calls and text messages sent to her as at the time of filing this report. The family is seeking justice for Magaji's death and wants to know who killed him and why.
Key points
- Nigerian Army personnel allegedly threatened the family of a student killed during a land dispute protest.
- The student, Ismail Ishaq Magaji, was shot dead during a confrontation involving youths and security personnel.
- The family received threatening phone calls from hidden numbers, warning them to stop speaking to journalists about the incident.
