Tragedy struck the Kuchibuyi community in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, as Attahiru Abubakar, son of the Chief Imam, Abubakar Yaqub, was allegedly shot dead by police officers during a land dispute on Saturday.
According to reports the community was thrown into mourning as Attahiru died instantly from a gunshot wound, while his elder brother, Abass, sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital. Their father, the Chief Imam, was also reportedly shot.
FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident in a statement, describing it as a response to a civil unrest triggered by a land dispute in Kuchibuyi. She said the Divisional Police Officers of Byazin and Kubwa swiftly intervened to restore order and that arrests were made, with an investigation underway.
“The issue is a communal dispute and not instigated by the police,” Adeh stated. She also quoted the Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, who condemned alleged attacks on officers responding to distress calls, warning that such actions would not be tolerated.
However, residents have disputed the police account, alleging that officers fired indiscriminately at civilians, resulting in the fatal shooting of Attahiru and injuries to others. They claim the police acted in collusion with an estate manager attempting to forcefully seize community land.
Sanusi Abubakar, the deceased’s brother, told reporters that the estate manager initially arrived with soldiers and vigilantes, and later summoned the police.
He alleged that after a brief standoff involving youths blocking the road, the police returned with a task force and opened fire on residents.
“My brother, Attahiru, was shot dead on the spot. Abass is in the hospital, and our father, the Chief Imam, was also shot,” Sanusi said.
An eyewitness, who requested anonymity due to fear of reprisal, corroborated the account, accusing the police of a cover-up. “They shot three people, including the Chief Imam and his two sons. Attahiru died on the spot. They later arrested about six young men. What happened was terrifying,” the source said.
Images obtained by FCNN showed Attahiru’s body with a visible gunshot wound to his chest, and another photo showed him wrapped in cloth after the incident.
When contacted for clarification on the omission of the shooting in the initial statement, the police spokesperson declined to provide additional comments, referring reporters to her earlier release.
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Attahiru’s killing adds to the list of Nigerians who have lost their lives in incidents linked to alleged police brutality.
