The family of Isma’il Ishaq, a 24-year-old final-year student at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University in Niger State, is in mourning following his tragic death from a stray bullet fired by military personnel during a land dispute incident on September 17, 2026. Isma’il was reportedly an innocent bystander, caught in the chaos of a confrontation that was not related to him.

Isma’il’s elder brother, Suleiman, recounted the harrowing moment he learned of his brother's injury. While at a family gathering, he received a distressing call from their younger sister, who witnessed the incident. "My younger sister, who was selling wara (soybean cake), called our mother to report that Isma’il had been shot. I rushed to the scene, but I was stopped by women who warned me that military officers were still around," Suleiman said.

Upon reaching the hospital, Suleiman found his brother alive but critically injured, having suffered severe internal damage. Despite the doctors' efforts to save him, Isma’il succumbed to his injuries later that evening.

The tragic event stemmed from a land dispute involving a politically connected woman who had purchased property in the area. Tensions escalated when she attempted to assert control over land that did not belong to her, prompting community leaders to intervene. However, the situation turned violent when military personnel were called in to clear the area, leading to the chaotic scene where Isma’il was shot.

Suleiman emphasized that his brother was not involved in the land dispute. "He was simply a victim of circumstances. He went to buy something and ended up losing his life," he explained.

The family is now grappling with the loss of Isma’il, who was known for his dedication and support. Suleiman described their father as struggling to cope with the loss, especially since he had been without a salary for two years, relying on his meager resources to support his family and ensure Isma’il completed his education.

In the wake of this tragedy, the family is calling for justice. Suleiman expressed their desire for the woman involved in the dispute and the military officer who fired the fatal shot to be held accountable. "We want the woman to be arrested and detained. The officer who shot Isma’il should also face justice. We are not asking for revenge, but we seek accountability and compensation to help our family heal from this pain," he stated.

The community is rallying around the family, as they navigate this painful chapter. Isma’il was remembered as a beloved brother and a calming presence among his siblings. His untimely death has left a significant void, and the family hopes that their calls for justice will bring some measure of solace in their time of grief.