The death of 16-year-old Sesugh Atser during an operation involving officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has sparked controversy in Benue State, with his family demanding justice and a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Sesugh’s mother, Jennifer Asar, says she is devastated by the loss of her son and insists he was innocent of the allegations levelled against him.
Speaking through tears, the mother of five described her son as a hardworking teenager who assisted her financially through menial jobs and was preparing to return to school after years of struggling with unpaid fees.
According to her, Sesugh had recently secured an opportunity to continue his education after a school agreed to allow payment of fees in installments.
She alleged that her son had previously been arrested by the EFCC and released, claiming he was later asked to provide money before his phone could be returned. Jennifer also expressed frustration that she has yet to see her son’s body since his death was announced.
The teenager’s relatives have also questioned the official account of events, claiming eyewitnesses told them Sesugh was shot and left critically injured before being taken to hospital.
Adding to the emotional reactions, the proprietor of a school where Sesugh was expected to resume studies described him as intelligent and eager to continue his education, lamenting that his dreams were cut short.
However, security authorities have maintained a different version of events.
According to the Benue State Police Command, Sesugh was among three suspects arrested by the EFCC in connection with alleged fraud and cybercrime offences before reportedly escaping from custody.
Police said intelligence later led operatives to a location where suspected cult members allegedly opened fire on security personnel during an operation. Authorities claimed Sesugh was later found injured at the scene and was rushed to hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
The EFCC has also maintained that the teenager was a wanted escapee, insisting there was no deliberate attempt to kill him. An official of the commission reportedly stated that it remains unclear whose bullet caused the fatal injury during the exchange of gunfire.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Benue State has ordered a full investigation into the incident, with authorities promising to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death.
As conflicting accounts continue to emerge, the case has generated widespread public concern and renewed calls for transparency, accountability, and justice.
Source: Benue State Police Command, EFCC officials, family members, and witnesses.
