A young man, Jeremiah Stephen Adina, has been shot dead by suspected bandits in Kaduna State, barely two months after completing the compulsory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.
Adina, an indigene of Awon in Kachia Local Government Area, was attacked on Thursday evening, October 2, while travelling to the local government headquarters, about 20 minutes from his village.
According to eyewitness accounts, the vehicle he boarded was ambushed by gunmen who opened fire, killing him and the driver instantly, while other passengers fled.
The 27-year-old was buried on Friday, October 3, amid tears and anguish in his hometown.
Adina, who grew up as an orphan, was described as hardworking and resilient. Friends said he worked on farms to sponsor himself through school, secured a primary school teaching job, and later obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Education.
He completed his NYSC just two months ago and was preparing to pursue a Master’s degree.
“This is Jeremiah Adina, a young man who grew up as an orphan. He struggled on the farm, sponsored himself, and made it through school. Everyone was so proud of him.
He had big dreams, but now he is gone,” lamented a close family friend, Doris Mackson.
The killing has left his widowed mother, wife, and young children devastated.
The community, still mourning another resident, Mr. Kwanaki, who was brutally murdered two days earlier, has called on the government to take urgent steps to protect lives.
