A tragic incident in Mayo-Belwa, Adamawa State, has left many outraged after a young phone technician, Alkasum Ibrahim, was allegedly beaten to death by a soldier, identified as Lance Corporal Ahmada A., following a dispute over a delayed phone repair.
According to eyewitness accounts, the soldier’s girlfriend had taken her phone to Alkasum’s workshop for repairs. However, the device was not ready as expected, possibly due to technical difficulties or a backlog of work. Frustrated by the delay, she reportedly contacted her boyfriend to complain.
Shortly after, Lance Corporal Ahmada allegedly arrived at the shop and, without any warning, launched a violent attack on the technician. Onlookers watched in horror as the soldier repeatedly struck Alkasum, leaving him unconscious. Despite efforts to save him, the young man succumbed to his injuries.
“It’s devastating. He was just trying to earn a living,” said a witness, Nuruddeen Abubakar. “No one deserves to die over something so minor.”
Following the attack, the soldier reportedly fled the area. His disappearance has sparked anger and grief in the community, with residents and local leaders demanding accountability.
“This is a clear case of abuse of power,” said a community youth leader. “A soldier trained to defend the people should not become a threat to civilians.”
Human rights groups have condemned the incident, urging the Nigerian military to hand over the suspect for prosecution. “This is more than misconduct—it’s a criminal act. Justice must prevail,” one advocacy group stated in a release.
The Adamawa State Police Command confirmed that it is aware of the incident. Police spokesperson, SP Suleiman Nguroje, said the matter is under investigation and that the military has initiated internal procedures, with the expectation that the suspect will be transferred to the police for further action.
Meanwhile, Alkasum Ibrahim’s grieving family, supported by rights activists, is calling for swift and transparent justice.
