Human Rights Group Condemns Killing of Delta Youth by Soldier, Demands Transparent Probe
By Francis Sadhere, Warri
A human rights organisation, Journalists for Defence of Human Rights (JDHR), has condemned the killing of Oghenekaro Ugochukwu Bonny, who reportedly died after being stabbed by a soldier at the Delta Marine Logistics and Technical (DMLT) Estate, Otokutu, in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The group, in a statement issued on Thursday in Warri by its Chairman, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, and Secretary, Okakuro Akpokona Omafuaire, described the incident as “tragic and unacceptable,” calling for an independent, transparent, and thorough investigation to ensure justice for the deceased and his family.
According to eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Plantation City Estate near Otokutu, when Ugochukwu, who was visiting a friend along with two others, was stopped by soldiers guarding the estate. A disagreement reportedly ensued over entry clearance, during which one of the soldiers allegedly attacked and stabbed Ugo, who later died in hospital.
JDHR condemned the “excessive use of force” by the soldier and faulted the military’s claim of self-defence, insisting that there was no credible evidence to justify the killing.
“The claim of self-defence lacks merit. No human life should be taken under such questionable circumstances without full accountability,” the group said. “We demand that all facts—including autopsy results, eyewitness testimonies, and available CCTV footage—be made public.”
The group also urged the Delta State Police Command and the Chief of Army Staff to immediately suspend the soldier involved pending the outcome of investigations, warning that any attempt to cover up the incident would deepen mistrust between civilians and security agencies.
JDHR further called on the Army to demonstrate transparency and professionalism in handling the matter, noting that regaining public confidence requires fairness and justice.
“We call on the Nigerian Army and the Police to conduct an impartial inquiry and ensure that those responsible are held to account. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army, in a separate statement, said the soldier acted in self-defence after Ugochukwu and his companions allegedly attempted to force entry into the DMLT Estate without clearance and became violent.
However, the family of the deceased has strongly rejected the Army’s account, maintaining that Ugochukwu was an unarmed visitor who posed no threat. They also accused security authorities of excluding them from the investigation process and disregarding critical evidence such as medical reports and witness statements.
The killing has sparked outrage among residents and civil society groups in Delta State, with growing calls for justice and a broader review of military conduct in civilian communities.
By Francis Sadhere, Warri
A human rights organisation, Journalists for Defence of Human Rights (JDHR), has condemned the killing of Oghenekaro Ugochukwu Bonny, who reportedly died after being stabbed by a soldier at the Delta Marine Logistics and Technical (DMLT) Estate, Otokutu, in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The group, in a statement issued on Thursday in Warri by its Chairman, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, and Secretary, Okakuro Akpokona Omafuaire, described the incident as “tragic and unacceptable,” calling for an independent, transparent, and thorough investigation to ensure justice for the deceased and his family.
According to eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Plantation City Estate near Otokutu, when Ugochukwu, who was visiting a friend along with two others, was stopped by soldiers guarding the estate. A disagreement reportedly ensued over entry clearance, during which one of the soldiers allegedly attacked and stabbed Ugo, who later died in hospital.
JDHR condemned the “excessive use of force” by the soldier and faulted the military’s claim of self-defence, insisting that there was no credible evidence to justify the killing.
“The claim of self-defence lacks merit. No human life should be taken under such questionable circumstances without full accountability,” the group said. “We demand that all facts—including autopsy results, eyewitness testimonies, and available CCTV footage—be made public.”
The group also urged the Delta State Police Command and the Chief of Army Staff to immediately suspend the soldier involved pending the outcome of investigations, warning that any attempt to cover up the incident would deepen mistrust between civilians and security agencies.
JDHR further called on the Army to demonstrate transparency and professionalism in handling the matter, noting that regaining public confidence requires fairness and justice.
“We call on the Nigerian Army and the Police to conduct an impartial inquiry and ensure that those responsible are held to account. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army, in a separate statement, said the soldier acted in self-defence after Ugochukwu and his companions allegedly attempted to force entry into the DMLT Estate without clearance and became violent.
However, the family of the deceased has strongly rejected the Army’s account, maintaining that Ugochukwu was an unarmed visitor who posed no threat. They also accused security authorities of excluding them from the investigation process and disregarding critical evidence such as medical reports and witness statements.
The killing has sparked outrage among residents and civil society groups in Delta State, with growing calls for justice and a broader review of military conduct in civilian communities.
