Nigerian Army Personnel Accused of Fatally Beating Nasarawa Polytechnic Student Over Alleged Cultism
Unidentified officers of the Nigerian Army have been accused of killing Terhile Timothy Achinya, a Mechanical Engineering student at Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, Lafia, Nasarawa State. Achinya was allegedly beaten to death by soldiers who suspected him of involvement in cult activities.
The incident has caused outrage within the polytechnic community. The Acting Rector of the institution, Dr. Nurudeen Mu’azu Maifata, has called for calm amidst the tension.
The President of the Students Union Government (SUG), Jacob John Mutuwa, confirmed the tragic event, explaining that the situation began when a student named Samuel Ejembi informed soldiers in Lafia about some students allegedly involved in cultism. The soldiers subsequently arrested several students at an entertainment center near the campus, including both the informant and the accused.
Unfortunately, Achinya reportedly died as a result of torture while in military custody. His body was taken to Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) in Lafia.
Despite the tragedy, the SUG president commended the students for maintaining peace and confirmed that legal action has been initiated against those responsible. He urged everyone to remain calm while justice is pursued.
In response, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has demanded swift justice. Comrade Daniel Friday Egga, the Coordinator for NANS Zone C, called on the state government and concerned citizens to seek justice for Achinya and his family. NANS also alleged that soldiers from the 123 Special Force Battalion were involved in the killing, urging military authorities to take immediate action.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Nasarawa State Command, DSP Ramhan Nansel, assured that the case would be investigated and appropriate actions would follow.
