DSS Operative's Stray Bullet Claims Life, Injures Two in Abuja Village
A tragic incident unfolded in Karmajiji village, located within the Abuja Municipal Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), resulting in one fatality and two injuries. The altercation involved an operative from the Department of State Services (DSS), identified as Ajayi Abayomi, whose actions have drawn significant public attention and concern.
Details of the Fatal Altercation
The event occurred on January 19, 2026, when a pickup vehicle suddenly broke down at a junction leading to Karmajiji village. This mechanical failure caused a severe traffic gridlock, setting the stage for a confrontation. According to witnesses, the DSS operative, driving a Peugeot 406, became trapped in the jam. In a fit of frustration, he alighted from his vehicle and allegedly slapped the driver of the pickup truck.
The situation escalated rapidly when Ibrahim Sarkin Samari arrived at the scene to intervene and ascertain what was happening. Witnesses report that the DSS operative, in response, retrieved a pistol from his car and fired a shot. Muazu Kabiru, a key witness, described the chaotic moments: "Before we knew it, the DSS operative opened his car, brought out a pistol and pulled the trigger."
Victims and Immediate Aftermath
The bullet missed Ibrahim but struck Musa Adamu, who was seated in front of a shop a few meters away. Adamu, a respected cleric and Arabic teacher who also worked as a property agent, succumbed to his injuries. Additionally, two other residents, Salisu Suleiman and Yakubu Samaila, were hit by the stray bullet and sustained abdominal injuries.
Following the shooting, an angry mob descended on the DSS operative, vandalizing his vehicle. Police officers from a nearby outpost quickly mobilized to the scene to restore order. The operative managed to escape, but his vehicle was towed to the police outpost for further investigation.
Musa Adamu was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Jabi, where doctors confirmed his death. The two other victims received medical treatment for their injuries and were subsequently discharged. Salisu Suleiman, one of the survivors, recounted his experience: "I didn’t even go close to the scene. The next thing I heard was a gunshot. Before I realised what was happening, a bullet hit me in the abdomen."
Community Reaction and Official Responses
The incident has sparked outrage within the Karmajiji community. A source from the palace of the village chief expressed dissatisfaction, noting that the chief was unhappy about an officer shooting three people over a minor traffic issue. The community remains in mourning, with the deceased's burial yet to take place.
On the official front, the FCT Director of the DSS has taken up the matter. The agency has reportedly paid the hospital bills for the victims and promised to provide compensation, known as Diyya, to the family of the deceased. Shuaibu Ishaq, another witness, highlighted this development: "The DSS FCT has promised to pay Diyya to the family. This is why Ibrahim, who was close to the deceased, cannot comment further; the DSS has owned up to the incident and is ready to compensate the family."
However, a police source confirmed that the case has been transferred to the FCT Command, and the DSS operative remains at large. In contrast, a source from the DSS offered a different perspective, claiming that the operative fired in self-defense to avoid being lynched by the mob, stating, "He fired a shot, but the victims have been discharged."
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigations
This incident raises serious questions about the conduct of security operatives and the use of firearms in civilian disputes. It underscores the need for stricter protocols and accountability within security agencies to prevent such tragedies in the future. The community and authorities are closely monitoring the situation as investigations continue to ensure justice is served.
Musa Adamu is survived by his two wives, Hauwa Mohammed and Rukayyat Abdulkadir, and seven children, leaving a void in both his family and the community he served as a cleric and educator.
