The death of 15-year-old Busang Ayuka following an alleged assault by operatives of the Taraba State Marshal has sparked widespread outrage across the state, with residents, civil society groups and concerned stakeholders demanding an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The teenager, who lived in Angwan Alfa, Serti B, Gashaka Local Government Area, reportedly died on Friday at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo, after allegedly sustaining severe injuries while in the custody of Taraba State Marshal operatives in Baruwa.
The incident has once again reignited concerns over the conduct of security personnel during routine enforcement operations, as many residents question the level of accountability within agencies responsible for maintaining law and order.
Information gathered indicates that the incident began after a disagreement between Busang and 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. Busang was subsequently arrested by operatives of the agency.
His family alleges that he was brutally assaulted by the operatives, while the agency has yet to confirm the circumstances surrounding the injuries that eventually claimed his life.
Speaking through tears, the deceased’s mother, Mrs Hasena Ayuka, recounted how the family’s ordeal unfolded. According to her, the complainant first approached her on the night of the incident, accusing Busang of taking the missing items before proceeding to the Taraba State Marshal office.
“The following day, which was Sunday, officers of
