The family of Abubakar Yaqub, Chief Imam of the Kuchibuyi community in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, is mourning after police officers allegedly shot and killed his son, Attahiru Abubakar, during a land dispute on Saturday.
Eyewitnesses told media that Attahiru died instantly after being struck by a police bullet, while his elder brother, Abass, sustained gunshot wounds and remains in hospital, fighting for his life.
According to the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, officers responded to a report of civil unrest triggered by a land dispute in the Kuchibuyi area, under the Byazin Division.
“The Divisional Police Officers from Byazin and Kubwa mobilised to the scene and brought the situation under control. Arrests were made, and the investigation is ongoing,” she stated on Saturday.
Adeh insisted the police did not initiate the violence, adding, “This matter is strictly a communal dispute and unrelated to any police action.”
She also quoted the Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, as condemning attacks on officers, warning that “firm action” would follow any assault on law enforcement personnel.
However, community members dispute the official account. Several residents, including Sanusi Abubakar, the deceased’s brother, accused police officers of indiscriminate shooting, resulting in one death and multiple injuries that the police failed to acknowledge.
Sanusi told media on Sunday, “Our father, the Chief Imam, was also shot. This incident started when an estate manager tried to seize part of our community land without informing us. He showed up with soldiers and vigilantes. After the youth blocked the road and the situation calmed, the police and task force returned and opened fire on the residents.
“They shot my brother Attahiru dead. Abass is still in the hospital. Our father was also hit by a bullet.”
A local resident, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisal, confirmed Sanusi’s claims. “The police are lying. They failed to mention that they shot three people—two sons of the Chief Imam and the Imam himself. Attahiru died on the spot. Abass is critically injured. Then they randomly arrested six young men. Two days earlier, that same estate manager had brought soldiers to the community.”
When contacted again on Sunday about why the police statement omitted the shooting and death, spokesperson Adeh referred journalists back to her earlier release and declined further comment.
Attahiru’s killing adds to the rising number of Nigerians, including women and youths, reportedly dying from police brutality.