The Kuchibuyi community in Bwari Area Council, Abuja, is in shock following the death of Attahiru Abubakar, the son of Chief Imam Abubakar Yaqub. He was reportedly shot dead on Saturday during a police operation related to a land dispute.
Attahiru died on the spot after being hit by a bullet. His elder brother, Abass Abubakar, was also shot and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital. The Chief Imam himself was allegedly injured during the same incident.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command confirmed that officers were deployed to the area due to a reported civil disturbance. According to Police Public Relations Officer Josephine Adeh, the unrest stemmed from a long-standing communal land dispute.
Adeh said, “The Divisional Police Officers from Byazin and Kubwa divisions acted quickly to restore peace. Some arrests were made, and the situation was brought under control.”
She clarified that the conflict was not caused by the police and condemned the alleged attack on officers who responded to the call. “The Commissioner of Police warns that violence against security personnel will not be tolerated,” she added.
Local residents and family members strongly dispute the police account. Sanusi Abubakar, another son of the Chief Imam, claimed that the violence began after a private estate developer brought soldiers and vigilantes to the area.
He said, “The estate manager wanted to take over a large section of our land. After tensions eased, the police returned and started shooting at people.”
According to him, his brother Attahiru was killed instantly, while Abass and their father were also injured.
An eyewitness, who asked to remain anonymous, supported the family’s claims. “Three people were shot. The police didn’t mention that in their statement. What happened was terrifying.”
Photos seen by this reporter show a gunshot wound on Attahiru’s upper chest. Another image showed his body wrapped in a burial cloth, as is custom in Islamic rites.
Despite multiple requests for an updated statement, police spokesperson Adeh declined to comment further and referred journalists to her earlier release.
Attahiru’s death has sparked anger and concern across the Federal Capital Territory. Many see it as yet another example of alleged police brutality in civil matters.
The Kuchibuyi community is now calling for an independent investigation. They are demanding justice for the family of the Chief Imam and accountability for those responsible.
