Outrage and grief have enveloped Gwagwarwa community in Nasarawa local government area of Kano State over the death of a 23-year-old Yusuf Shuaibu, an auxiliary staff member at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Hospital in Kano, on Wednesday.
Yusuf’s death was attributed to alleged assault by a NAF officer at the military health facility. The incident reportedly occurred last Thursday when the deceased, a casual staff member of 465 NAF Hospital in Kano, was said to have been allegedly beaten to a pulp by the Airman following a disagreement over an errand.
After returning home from work on the fateful day, Yusuf’s health was said to have deteriorated as a result of his encounter with the unnamed NAF officer, leading to his sudden death. The news of his passing sparked protests and calls for justice from his grieving family and the local community.
His father, Shuaibu Bala, has appealed to the Kano State governor Abba Yusuf, Emir of Kano, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), for their intervention and ensure justice in the matter.
However, in response, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Yusuf’s death.
The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, stated that the CAS was saddened by the untimely death and has directed a thorough investigation to uncover the cause of Yusuf’s death.
The NAF Spokesperson said, “I am aware that the deceased, Mr Yusuf Shuaibu, was a temporary staff of 465 NAF Hospital Kano. I am also aware that two days ago, the deceased and an Airman had an altercation that ensued bordering on insubordination and the refusal of the deceased to adhere to certain directives.
“I am also aware that after their altercation, the matter was amicably settled, and the deceased then proceeded home with no sign of any illness, only for information to filter in the next day that he had passed on.
“Indeed, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has been briefed on the news of the unfortunate and untimely death of Mr Shuaibu, and the loss saddens him.
“He has, however, directed the Commanders of the Hospital and NAF Base Kano to extend his condolence and that of the entire NAF family to the family of the deceased.”
He said the CAS had, therefore, directed an investigation “to immediately unravel what actually led to the unfortunate death of Mr Yusuf.”