Timothy Achinya, a mechanical engineering student at Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has allegedly died after being brutally tortured by unidentified soldiers.
His tragic death has sparked outrage among the polytechnic’s student body, leading the institution’s Acting Rector, Dr. Nurudeen Mu’azu Maifata, to call for legal redress.
Confirming the incident, the President of the Polytechnic’s Students Union Government (SUG), Jacob John Mutuwa, recounted the events that led to Achinya’s untimely demise. According to Mutuwa, the incident began when a fellow student, Samuel Ejembi, tipped off some military personnel in Lafia about alleged cult activities involving certain students. Acting on this information, soldiers apprehended several students at Eji World, a popular entertainment spot near the campus.
Both Ejembi, the informant, and the accused were taken into custody by the military last Friday. Mutuwa further revealed that Achinya died as a result of the alleged torture inflicted by the soldiers. His body was later transferred to Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) in Lafia.
Despite the overwhelming grief, Mutuwa commended students for maintaining peace in the wake of the tragedy. He also revealed that legal action has already been initiated against those responsible and urged all parties to remain calm.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has since called for swift action to ensure justice for Achinya. NANS Zone C Coordinator, Comrade Daniel Friday Egga, urged the state government and concerned citizens to assist in ensuring justice for the deceased student and his grieving family.
NANS further accused soldiers from the 123 Special Force Battalion of involvement in the death and demanded immediate accountability from the military.
The Nasarawa State Police Command, through its spokesperson DSP Ramhan Nansel, assured the public that an investigation into the incident was ongoing, with further updates to follow.
