A 15-year-old boy identified as Busang Ayuka has reportedly died at the Federal Medical Centre in Jalingo after he was allegedly beaten by security operatives in Baruwa, Gashaka Local Government Area of Taraba State. The incident involved members of the Taraba Marshals, a state-backed neighbourhood security outfit, who reportedly assaulted the teenager following a dispute over an MP3 player and a power bank.
Details of the Incident
According to reports, the altercation began when the Taraba Marshals confronted Busang Ayuka over an MP3 player and a power bank. The security operatives allegedly subjected the boy to severe physical assault, leading to his hospitalization. He later succumbed to his injuries at the Federal Medical Centre in Jalingo, the state capital.
Public Outcry and Calls for Justice
A Facebook user, Mansur Audu Gashaka, confirmed the incident in a post on Friday, July 24, 2026, urging relevant authorities and royal fathers to intervene by demanding a thorough and transparent investigation into the boy's death. In his post, he referenced a previous incident where another young life was lost under similar circumstances.
“Months ago, life of our innocent brother Abdurrahman Akumora was taken away by his friend, a fired military officer in person of Kamilu Milito, because of useless power bank and no any serious action has been taken to educate the upcoming generation so as not to fall a victim of such evil action,” he wrote. “Though some said the issue is with the security personnel and we are still waiting for the final action. Rai daya ne kuma babu randa yafi na wani.”
He continued: “Same story happened again between Taraba Marshall and one innocent boy who was treated as animal by the Taraba Marshall of Gashaka LGA just because of MP3 player and power Bank and as a result of that the innocent boy passed away at the federal medical center Jalingo, Taraba state. As we await the final investigation on this matter, we are calling on the attention of our critical stakeholders including the Royal fathers to intervene on this matter that is changing the story of our dear local government area and set a good example on whosoever is involved into such evil action.”
Demand for Justice
Gashaka ended his post with a direct call for justice: “Justice to Busang Ayuka of Anguwan Alfa, Serti Ward B Gashaka LGA. Injustice to one is Injustice to all. May the gentle soul of our innocent brother rest in peace.” The post has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many calling for a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible.
Background and Context
The Taraba Marshals are a state-backed security outfit established to assist in maintaining law and order within the state. However, this incident has raised concerns about the conduct of such security personnel and the use of excessive force. The death of Busang Ayuka echoes a previous case in which a young man, Abdurrahman Akumora, was killed by a dismissed military officer over a similar trivial dispute involving a power bank.
Community leaders and activists are now calling on the Taraba State Government and security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice and that measures are put in place to prevent such tragedies in the future. The case has also highlighted the need for better training and oversight of local security outfits to protect the rights and lives of citizens.
