Suleiman, the elder brother of Isma'il Ishaq, has spoken about the tragic death of his younger brother, who was shot by a military personnel's stray bullet during a land dispute in Niger State. Isma'il, a 24-year-old final-year student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, was killed on September 17, 2026, in the Charity, Wawa area. Suleiman recounted how he received the news, saying he was sitting with family members when his younger sister called to report that Isma'il had been shot.
According to Suleiman, Isma'il was not involved in the land dispute but was simply a victim of circumstances. The dispute was between a politically connected and influential woman, who bought a piece of land on the street, and the community leaders. The woman was trying to claim the frontage of the land, which the traditional ruler said did not belong to her. The community leaders and elders tried to stop her, but she invited military personnel to clear the area, leading to the fatal incident.
Suleiman described the scene, saying that when the military personnel arrived, tear gas was fired, and everyone ran away. The officer started shooting, and Isma'il was hit by a stray bullet. He was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent surgery, but unfortunately, he died due to internal blood loss. Suleiman held Isma'il closely during the ordeal, trying to console him and pray for his survival.
The incident has left the family devastated, with Suleiman's father struggling to cope with the loss. Isma'il's elder brother, who was also in the hospital, became unconscious after seeing Isma'il's gunshot wound and had to be given medication. The family is calling for justice, and Suleiman is trying to stay strong to comfort his parents.
Isma'il celebrated his 24th birthday on July 29, just a few weeks before his death. He was a final-year student at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State. The family buried him the morning after the incident at Wawa Ward, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The traditional ruler of the community, who is also a direct uncle to Suleiman and the woman involved, had tried to calm her down and explained that the land did not belong to her. However, she refused to listen and invited the military personnel, leading to the tragic incident.
The family is still grieving, and Suleiman is trying to help his father cope with the loss. He believes that justice needs to be served, and those responsible for the incident should be held accountable. The incident has raised concerns about the use of force by military personnel in resolving land disputes.
Key points
- The incident occurred during a land dispute between a politically connected woman and the community leaders.
- Isma'il Ishaq, a 24-year-old student, was killed by a stray bullet from a military personnel's gun.
- The family is calling for justice and wants those responsible for the incident to be held accountable.
