Terhile Timothy Achinya, a mechanical engineering student at Isa Mustapha Agwai l Polytechnic in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has reportedly been beaten to death by unidentified soldiers over alleged involvement in cult activities. The tragic death of the student has sparked outrage within the polytechnic community, prompting calls for justice.
The Students Union Government (SUG) President of the institution, Jacob John Mutuwa, confirmed the incident to journalists in Lafia. He detailed the events that led to Achinya’s death, revealing that the situation began when a student named Samuel Ejembi informed local soldiers about alleged cult members at the polytechnic.
Mutuwa said, “It all started when Samuel Ejembi informed some military men in Lafia about students allegedly involved in cult activities. The soldiers arrested some of the accused students at Eji World, an entertainment center opposite the polytechnic campus.”
Mutuwa explained that both the informant and the accused students were taken into custody by the military last Friday. Unfortunately, Achinya was reportedly tortured while in military custody and later died. His body was subsequently deposited at Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) in Lafia.
The SUG president expressed sorrow over the incident but praised the students for maintaining peace, despite the loss of their fellow student.
“We have filed legal action against those responsible for Achinya’s death, and I urge students to remain calm as justice takes its course,” Mutuwa stated.
NANS Demands Justice
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has also condemned the killing, calling for swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice. Comrade Daniel Friday Egga, the Coordinator of NANS Zone C, urged the Nasarawa State government and concerned individuals to intervene and ensure justice for the deceased student and his family.
“We will not rest until the killers are brought to book. The state government and well-meaning Nigerians must unite in seeking justice for this young man,” Egga said.
NANS further alleged that soldiers attached to the 123 Special Force Battalion were responsible for Achinya’s death and called on military authorities to act promptly.
The Nasarawa State Police Command is reportedly aware of the incident, with the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ramhan Nansel, promising to look into the matter. However, at the time of filing this report, no official statement had been released by the police regarding the case.