Some officers of the Nigerian Army have been accused of killing a student of Mechanical Engineering at Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, Lafia, Nasarawa State, one Terhile Timothy Achinya over alleged cultism.
According to reports, some troops allegedly accused Achinya of being a cultist and beat him to death.
Nurudeen Mu’azu Maifata, Acting Rector of the institution, has called for peace over the murder of the student.
Jacob John Mutuwa, President of the polytechnic’s Students Union Government, SUG, confirmed the incident to reporters.
He said the incident broke out after a student, Samuel Ejembi, informed some military personnel in Lafia about alleged cult activities amongst students.
The soldiers thereafter arrested several suspected students, including Achinya, at Eji World, an entertainment spot close to the university.
Mutuwa said the informant and the suspected students were taken into custody by the military.
He said Achinya died after he was allegedly tortured by soldiers and the lifeless body was deposited at Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, DASH, Lafia.
The Traditional ruler, though saddened, hailed the pupils on not causing any riot. He also announced that the killing of Achinya had been taken to the court for redress against those responsible.
The National Association of Nigerian Students has equally demanded justice over the killing. Comrade Daniel Friday Egga, Coordinator of NANS Zone C, urged the state government and well-meaning citizens to ensure collective efforts towards ensuring that justice is served on Achinya and his family.
NANS said soldiers attached to the 123 Special Force Battalion were involved in the killing and called for immediate action from military authorities.
DSP Ramhan Nansel, Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, in Nasarawa State Command, said that the investigation of the incident has commenced.
