PUNCH Online gathered that Musa died after being allegedly shot by suspected hunters in the community and then set ablaze while grazing his aged father’s cattle.
According to the petition signed by the family’s spokesperson, Yusuf Abubakar, the deceased’s father, Mallam Musa, stated that efforts made by the family to get justice after reporting to the Divisional Police Station in the community have not yielded results, as the suspected assailants are yet to be arrested.
The petition read in part, “Sir, we are specifically briefed by the deceased’s father, Mal. Musa is traumatised by the killing of their son in the most inhumane way—by shooting him to death and burning his remains while grazing with his cattle. We bring this complaint to you so that those involved will be urgently found and brought to justice.
“We are reliably informed by Mal. Musa that on the 23rd day of October 2023, the above-mentioned persons, in the company of others, attacked the deceased, a 21-year-old boy, whose main responsibility was to rear the cattle of his aged father, Malam Musa, a registered member of Sasaro Community under Akoko Edo, Edo State. It is worth noting that the deceased and his family used to pay levies and taxes to the community leaders and authorities concerned, even though the Igarra people of the Igarra Community used to claim interest over the forest.
“Sadly, his son’s life was taken away by known persons over an unfounded allegation to cover their mess. It is given the above-mentioned facts that our family deems it imperative to lay this complaint before you and urge for your urgent and immediate intervention to investigate the incident that led to the death of the deceased person and prosecute those involved by the provisions of the law. This would go a long way in restoring peace and harmony within the community and the state at large.
“So far, none of the persons involved (suspects) has been arrested, and they are bragging that nobody can do anything to them, which is capable of provoking communal clashes and revenge. The worst aspect is that our family is in danger from the culprits.
“Our family previously complained to the Nigeria Police Divisional Office at Igarra Divisional Police Office and the Commissioner of Police, Edo State, on the 25th of October 2023. As I write to you, nothing has been done. For this reason, we are appealing for the case to be transferred to your respective office for transparency and equity. Because, we believe that is the only way we can have justice, sir.”
Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Chidi Nwabuzor, noted that the investigation was ongoing to unravel the matter, stressing that further information would be disclosed as soon as the investigation was concluded.
“The case is under investigation. As soon as the operatives are done with the investigation, we will announce the outcome,” Nwabuzor noted.
