The death of 15-year-old Busang Ayuka following an alleged assault by operatives of the Taraba State Marshal has sparked widespread outrage across the state, with residents, civil society groups and concerned stakeholders demanding an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The teenager, who lived in Angwan Alfa, Serti B, Gashaka Local Government Area, reportedly died on Friday at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo, after allegedly sustaining severe injuries while in the custody of Taraba State Marshal operatives in Baruwa.

The incident has once again reignited concerns over the conduct of security personnel during routine enforcement operations, as many residents question the level of accountability within agencies responsible for maintaining law and order.

Information gathered indicates that the incident began after a disagreement between Busang and one of his friends over a missing MP3 player and a power bank. The complainant reportedly accused the teenager of taking the items before reporting the matter to the Taraba State Marshal office. Busang was subsequently arrested by operatives of the agency.

His family alleges that he was brutally assaulted by the operatives, while the agency has yet to confirm the circumstances surrounding the injuries that eventually claimed his life.

Speaking through tears, the deceased’s mother, Mrs Hasena Ayuka, recounted how the family’s ordeal unfolded. According to her, the complainant first approached her on the night of the incident, accusing Busang of taking the missing items before proceeding to the Taraba State Marshal office.

“The following day, which was Sunday, officers of the Taraba State Marshal arrested my son. Later, they asked me to come to the CRCN Hospital in Gashaka, where I found him lying half-dead,” she said.

Mrs Ayuka rejected claims allegedly made by the officers that her son developed an ulcer while in custody.

“My son never had an ulcer. When I saw him, his neck appeared broken, parts of his body were swollen, and he could not speak. From that moment until he died, he never regained consciousness,” she alleged.

She explained that Busang was first admitted to the CRCN Hospital in Baruwa before being referred to the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, after his condition deteriorated.

“My family wants to know why my son was killed. Whatever the allegation against him, nobody has the right to take his life. We want justice for Busang,” the grieving mother said.

The exact circumstances surrounding the alleged assault remain unclear. No official account has yet established what transpired during the teenager’s detention, the nature of the force allegedly used, or whether established procedures governing arrests and detention were followed.

Those unanswered questions have intensified demands for a transparent and independent investigation. Residents insist that only a credible inquiry can establish the facts and determine whether any laws or operational guidelines were violated.

Community members have also called on the state government and relevant security agencies to ensure that the matter is thoroughly investigated and that anyone found culpable is prosecuted.

For many residents, the incident represents more than the death of a single teenager. They argue that it reflects broader concerns about the treatment of civilians during law enforcement operations and underscores the urgent need for professionalism, respect for human rights and stronger oversight of security agencies.

Legal observers note that the outcome of any investigation could significantly influence public confidence in institutions charged with protecting lives and enforcing the law.

Responding to the allegations, the Commandant of the Taraba State Marshal, retired Commissioner of Police Agyole Asenya Abeh, maintained that the agency operates strictly within the law.

He said personnel are regularly instructed to respect the rights of citizens and discharge their responsibilities professionally.

According to him, any operative found to have acted outside the law would be held personally responsible for such conduct, stressing that the alleged incident should not be viewed as representative of the entire agency.

Describing culpable homicide as a grave criminal offence, he noted that the Nigeria Police Force has the statutory responsibility to investigate such allegations.

He also appealed to residents and members of the Marshal Security Guard not to prejudge the matter until investigations are concluded.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had not issued an official statement on the incident or confirmed whether any investigation or arrests had been made.