Family seeks justice after student is killed by military bullet during Niger land dispute

Isma’il Ishaq, a 24-year-old final-year student at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, was fatally wounded by a bullet during a land dispute involving military personnel in Niger State, according to his elder brother, Suleiman Ishaq. Speaking to Punch, Suleiman said he learned of the shooting from his younger sister, who was selling soybean cakes nearby. He rushed towards the scene but was stopped by women who said security and military officers were still present and were ordering people away.

Isma’il was taken to hospital alive and underwent surgery. Suleiman said the bullet wound was visible and that doctors told the family his brother had lost two ribs. He also said Isma’il suffered substantial blood loss, including internal bleeding.

Suleiman remained with him during the operation and left briefly to attend the Maghrib prayer. He said he returned to learn that Isma’il had died at about 7:06pm. Another brother, who had gone to the farm, reportedly lost consciousness after seeing Isma’il’s injuries and was treated in hospital.

Suleiman said the shooting followed a dispute over the boundary and frontage of land bought by a politically connected woman. He alleged that community leaders, including the traditional ruler, had tried to prevent her from claiming land they said did not belong to her. According to Suleiman, the woman brought military personnel to clear the area.

Tear gas was fired, causing people to flee, after which an officer allegedly began shooting. Suleiman said Isma’il was not connected to the dispute and had gone to the area only to buy something. The family is calling for justice.

The account is attributed to Suleiman; the supplied material does not include a response from the military or the woman involved.