An officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), identified as Joseph Ali, has reportedly died after a locally fabricated rifle he was handling accidentally discharged and struck him in the left eye in Abuja.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 7:30 a.m. in Compensation Layout, Old Kutunku, Abuja, while Ali was preparing to leave his residence for work.
According to reports, a distress call was received from the area following the accidental discharge involving the immigration officer.
Ali was said to have dressed and was preparing to leave for work when he picked up the locally fabricated rifle, which he reportedly used to provide security within the community, intending to conceal it before leaving the house.
However, he was allegedly unaware that the firearm was cocked.
The rifle reportedly discharged while he was handling it, with the pellets striking him in the left eye. The incident was said to have occurred in the presence of his wife and children.
Ali was immediately rushed to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), where he was examined by a doctor on duty and reportedly pronounced dead.
His remains were subsequently deposited at the hospital's mortuary pending an autopsy.
The circumstances surrounding the firearm, including how it came into Ali's possession and why it was reportedly being used for community security, are expected to form part of any investigation into the incident.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement providing further details on the incident as of the time of filing this report.a