Family seeks justice as 15-year-old dies after alleged assault by Taraba State Marshal

Public anger is mounting in Taraba State over the death of 15-year-old Busang Ayuka, who allegedly suffered fatal injuries while in the custody of operatives of the Taraba State Marshal. The incident has triggered widespread calls for an independent investigation, with residents, civil society organisations and other stakeholders demanding accountability.

Busang, a resident of Angwan Alfa in Serti B, Gashaka Local Government Area, was confirmed dead on Friday at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo. His family claims the teenager sustained serious injuries after he was allegedly assaulted by operatives of the Taraba State Marshal in Baruwa.

The tragedy has reignited debate over the conduct of law enforcement personnel during routine operations, as many residents question whether adequate measures exist to ensure accountability within security agencies.

Findings indicate that Busang’s arrest followed a dispute involving one of his friends over a missing MP3 player and a power bank. The complainant reportedly accused the teenager of taking the items before reporting the matter to the Taraba State Marshal office, leading to his arrest by the agency’s operatives.

While the family insists the teenager was physically assaulted while in custody, the Taraba State Marshal has not provided an official explanation on how he sustained the injuries that later resulted in his death.

Recounting the family’s experience, the deceased’s mother, Mrs Hasena Ayuka, said the complainant visited her home on the night of the incident to accuse Busang of stealing the missing items before taking the complaint to the Taraba State Marshal office.

“The following day, which was Sunday, officers of the Taraba State Marshal arrested my son. Later, they asked me to come to the CRCN Hospital in Gashaka, where I found him lying half-dead,” she said.

Mrs Ayuka also disputed claims allegedly made by the operatives that her son developed an ulcer while in custody.

“My son never had an ulcer. When I saw him, his neck appeared broken, parts of his body were swollen, and he could not speak. From that moment until he died, he never regained consciousness,” she alleged.

She disclosed that Busang was initially treated at the CRCN Hospital in Baruwa before doctors referred him to the Federal Medical Centre in Jalingo as his condition became critical.

“My family wants to know why my son was killed. Whatever the allegation against him, nobody has the right to take his life. We want justice for Busang,” the grieving mother said.

Despite the allegations, several questions surrounding the incident remain unanswered. Authorities have yet to disclose what transpired while the teenager was in custody, the nature of the injuries he sustained or whether officers complied with established procedures governing arrest and detention.

The lack of official clarification has strengthened demands for a transparent investigation. Residents argue that only an impartial inquiry can establish the facts and determine whether any laws or operational regulations were breached.

Members of the community have also urged the Taraba State Government and relevant security agencies to ensure that those responsible, if found culpable after investigation, are brought to justice.

Observers say the incident has raised broader concerns about the treatment of civilians by security personnel and highlighted the need for improved professionalism, respect for human rights and stronger oversight mechanisms within law enforcement agencies.

Legal analysts believe the outcome of any investigation will play a crucial role in shaping public trust in institutions responsible for maintaining law and order.

Reacting to the allegations, the Commandant of the Taraba State Marshal, retired Commissioner of Police Agyole Asenya Abeh, insisted that the agency operates within the provisions of the law.

He said officers are consistently reminded to respect the rights of citizens while carrying out their responsibilities.

According to him, any operative found to have violated the law would bear personal responsibility for such actions, adding that the allegations against individuals should not be interpreted as a reflection of the entire agency.

Abeh described culpable homicide as a serious criminal offence and noted that investigating such allegations falls within the statutory responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force.

He further appealed to residents and members of the Marshal Security Guard to avoid drawing conclusions until the appropriate investigations have been concluded.

As of the time this report was filed, the Nigeria Police Force had not released an official statement on the incident or confirmed whether any investigation had commenced or arrests had been made.