A Mechanical Engineering student at Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, Lafia, Nasarawa State, has been killed by unidentified Nigerian Army officers. Terhile Timothy Achinya was allegedly beaten to death for suspected involvement in cultism.
The incident has sparked outrage among the polytechnic community. The Acting Rector, Dr Nurudeen Mu’azu Maifata, has called for calm.
According to the Students Union Government President, Jacob John Mutuwa, the incident began when a student reported suspected cultists to military personnel. Several students were arrested and taken into custody. Achinya reportedly died while being tortured by the soldiers. His body was found at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital.
The SUG president commended the students for maintaining peace despite the tragedy and announced legal action against the alleged killers.
Jacob John Mutuwa said: “It all started when a student named Samuel Ejembi informed some military men in Lafia of some students who are alleged to be involved in cult activities. The soldiers picked up some of the accused students at Eji World, an entertainment centre opposite the Poly campus.”
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called for swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice. The Zone C Coordinator, Daniel Friday Egga, urged the state government and individuals to support the victim’s family.
NANS alleged that soldiers from the 123 Special Force Battalion were responsible for the killing and urged military authorities to take immediate action.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Nasarawa State, DSP Ramhan Nansel, has vowed to investigate the case.
