By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
A wave of outrage has trailed the gruesome killing of Mr. Oghenekaro Ugochukwu Bonny, fondly called “Ugo,” who was allegedly stabbed to death by a soldier at the Delta Marine Logistics and Technical (DMLT) Estate, Otokutu, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The tragic incident, which occurred on Sunday, October 12, 2025, has sparked anger among human rights activists and community members, with calls growing louder for justice and accountability.
According to multiple eyewitness accounts, Ugo was visiting a friend in the estate along with two companions when soldiers stationed at the gate stopped them. An argument reportedly broke out over entry clearance. Witnesses say the confrontation escalated, and one of the soldiers physically assaulted Ugo before stabbing him in the chest. He was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
The military, in a statement released after the killing, claimed the soldier acted in self-defence, alleging that Ugo and his friends tried to force their way into the estate and became aggressive. But the deceased’s family and eyewitnesses have strongly rejected this narrative, describing it as “a calculated attempt to twist the truth and shield a killer in uniform.”
Speaking through the Journalists for Defence of Human Rights (JDHR), activists have condemned the killing in the strongest terms, demanding a full, transparent and independent investigation. In a statement issued Thursday in Warri, the JDHR Chairman, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, and Secretary, Okakuro Akpokona Omafuaire, called for the immediate suspension of the soldier involved to prevent any cover-up.
“The claim of self-defence is hollow and lacks credible evidence. No life should be cut short in such a brutal manner under the guise of military duty. The truth must be unearthed, and justice must prevail,” JDHR declared.
The family of the late Ugo maintains he posed no threat whatsoever and had no reason to engage in violence. They allege that investigators sidelined them from the process and ignored key evidence — including witness statements and medical reports — that could expose the real chain of events.
Rights activists are now urging the Delta State Police Command and the Chief of Army Staff to take decisive action, ensure an impartial investigation, and bring those responsible to justice. They have also called for the release of CCTV footage and autopsy reports to the public.
“This is not just about Ugo; it’s about every innocent Nigerian who must not live in fear of those meant to protect them,” JDHR stressed.
As grief grips Ugo’s family and friends, public pressure is mounting on security authorities to prove that no uniform is above the law.