Some Nigerian Army officers have been accused of killing Terhile Timothy Achinya, a Mechanical Engineering student at Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, Lafia, Nasarawa State, over allegations of cultism.
According to reports, the soldiers allegedly beat Achinya to death after he was accused of being involved in cult activities.
The Acting Rector of the institution, Nurudeen Mu’azu Maifata, has called for peace in the wake of the student’s death.
Jacob John Mutuwa, President of the Students Union Government (SUG) at the polytechnic, confirmed the incident to newsmen.
He explained that the situation escalated when a student, Samuel Ejembi, informed some military officers in Lafia of alleged cult activities among students.
The soldiers then picked up several accused students, including Achinya, at Eji World, an entertainment center near the campus.
Mutuwa stated that both the informant and the accused students were taken into custody by the military.
Mutuwa further revealed that Achinya died after being reportedly tortured by the soldiers, and his body was later deposited at Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH), Lafia.
Despite the tragic event, Mutuwa praised the students for maintaining peace. He also confirmed that legal action has been initiated against those responsible for Achinya’s death.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has also called for justice. Comrade Daniel Friday Egga, the Coordinator of NANS Zone C, urged the state government and concerned individuals to join efforts to seek justice for Achinya and his family.
NANS has alleged that soldiers attached to the 123 Special Force Battalion were involved in the killing and demanded swift action from military authorities.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Nasarawa State Command, DSP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed that an investigation into the incident is underway.
Soldiers reportedly beat Nasarawa Polytechnic student to death over alleged cultism
