Suspected bandits have killed a young man, Jeremiah Stephen Adina, in Kaduna State just two months after he completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.
The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday, October 2, as Jeremiah travelled from his community, Awon in Kachia Local Government Area, to the local government headquarters, a journey of about 20 minutes.
According to reports, gunmen ambushed the vehicle he was traveling in, killing him and the driver on the spot.
Other passengers reportedly managed to escape. Jeremiah was laid to rest in his hometown on Friday, October 3, as family and community members mourned his untimely death.
Life of a Hardworking Young Man Cut Short
Jeremiah, who grew up as an orphan, worked on farms to fund his education at the College of Education.
He later secured a primary school teaching job, earned a Bachelor of Education degree, and proudly served his country through the NYSC programme, completing his passing-out parade just two months ago. He was reportedly planning to pursue a Master’s degree.
A Facebook user who knew him, Doris Mackson, described Adina as a determined and hardworking young man who dreamed of building a better future for his family.
She wrote:
“This is Jeremiah Adina, a young man who grew up as an orphan. He struggled on the farm and sponsored himself through the College of Education. Thankfully, he got a primary school teaching job, which helped him further his education. He obtained his B.Ed. and went on to serve his country,” she wrote.
“After service, Jeremiah was so excited about his achievements. He had high hopes that one day he would change his story and put a smile on his mother’s face, as well as on his wife and children. Everyone who knew him was so proud of him. Just two months ago, Jeremiah completed his POP and returned home to his family, eager to continue pushing forward and planning to apply for his Master’s degree as soon as possible.
But guess what? Yesterday evening, Jeremiah left home after telling his wife and mother that he needed to attend to something in Kachia, the local government headquarters, about 23km away—just a 15–20 minutes drive. He bid them farewell and left, little knowing he would never return alive. Barely 3–4 kilometers from the village, Jeremiah, the driver, and another passenger were attacked. Jeremiah and the driver were shot dead on the spot, while the other passenger managed to escape.
This same Awon village is still grieving Mr. Kwanaki, who was gruesomely killed just two days ago, and now another promising young life has been cut short. How many more promising lives like Jeremiah’s will we continue to lose? His mother, wife, and children are left shattered. Jeremiah was the backbone of his mother; now he is gone. How will they cope?
Meanwhile, the government remains silent. Our leaders travel from one nation and city to another while our people are being killed. The military bases in our communities seem worthless. Rest well, Adina. Rest well, Mr. Kwanaki. Adina, you were strong and determined to succeed. Your killers will pay heavily for this evil act.”
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