Human rights group condemns soldier killing of Ugo in Delta, demands full investigation

A human rights organisation, Journalists for Defence of Human Rights (JDHR), has condemned the killing of Oghenekaro Ugochukwu Bonny, who was allegedly stabbed to death by a soldier while visiting a friend at Delta Marine Logistics and Technical (DMLT) Estate, Otokutu, in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday, October 12, 2025, during a confrontation between Ugo and a soldier manning the DMLT Estate gate. According to multiple eyewitness accounts, the altercation began after the soldier questioned Ugo’s right to enter the premises and escalated into physical violence, resulting in the soldier allegedly stabbing Ugo. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital but later died from his injuries.

In a statement released on Thursday in Warri, signed by Comrade Michael Ikeogwu and Okakuro Akpokona Omafuaire, Chairman and Secretary of JDHR respectively, the group described the killing as “barbaric and unacceptable,” calling for an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ugo’s death.

JDHR’s statement read in part: “The killing of an unarmed civilian by a soldier under any guise is condemnable. We demand an independent investigation to uncover the truth and ensure justice is served. The claim of self-defence cannot stand without credible evidence and due process.”

Following the incident, the Nigerian Army, in a press release, claimed that the soldier acted in self-defence. According to the Army’s account, the deceased, identified as Mr. Ugochukwu Oghenekaro, was among a group attempting to force entry into the DMLT Estate without proper clearance. The statement alleged that Ugo became aggressive and engaged the soldier in a physical altercation, during which the fatal stabbing occurred.

However, the family of the deceased has strongly disputed the military’s version of events, insisting that Ugo posed no threat and was merely visiting a friend. The family alleged inconsistencies in the Army’s report, claiming that eyewitness testimonies, medical findings, and statements from Ugo’s brothers have been ignored in the ongoing inquiry. They further accused security authorities of failing to properly involve them in the investigation.

Rejecting the Army’s narrative, JDHR maintained that the self-defence claim lacked merit and demanded that the soldier involved be immediately suspended pending the outcome of an independent probe. The group urged investigators to review all available evidence, including autopsy results, witness statements, and any video or security footage that could shed light on the incident.

JDHR also appealed to both the Delta State Police Command and the Chief of Army Staff to take urgent steps to ensure justice and prevent a recurrence of such extrajudicial killings. The organisation emphasized that only a transparent process could restore public trust in the nation’s security institutions.

“We urge the Army and the Police to handle this matter with utmost transparency,” the group said. “The public deserves to know that those who abuse their uniforms to harm innocent citizens will face the full weight of the law".