Soldier Allegedly Stabs Civilian to Death at Delta Estate Gate

A Nigerian soldier has allegedly stabbed a civilian, identified as Mr. Ugo, to death at the entrance of a private estate in Otokutu, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, sparking outrage and calls for justice from human rights advocates and the victim’s family.

Human rights activist Comrade Israel Joe confirmed the incident in a video statement on Monday, describing it as “a senseless act of military brutality” and revealing that the case has been reported to the Delta State Police Command.

According to Joe, the tragic event occurred on the evening of Saturday, October 12, 2025, when the deceased, a young businessman in his early 30s, went to visit a friend at an estate near Plantation City. He was reportedly attacked and fatally stabbed by a soldier stationed at the estate gate.

“This young man was unarmed, harmless, and married to a heavily pregnant woman,” Joe said. “He only went to visit a friend when a soldier descended on him, beat him, and stabbed him to death. The Nigerian Army must take full responsibility for this barbaric act.”

The victim’s younger brother, Toshi, who witnessed the incident, recounted the harrowing experience. He said they had arrived at the estate gate, where security personnel stopped them to confirm their visit. While Ugo was on a phone call with his friend to verify entry, a soldier in uniform approached and accused him of attempting to force his way into the estate.

“My brother told him no, that he wasn’t forcing his way in. But the soldier kept shouting, then slapped him twice,” Toshi recalled. “When my cousin tried to intervene, the soldier became more aggressive and began dragging my brother by the shirt. Another younger soldier came out and joined in instead of calming the situation.”

Toshi said the confrontation escalated despite attempts by the estate’s security and their host to intervene. Moments later, the soldier allegedly stabbed Ugo twice — once in the hand and once in the ribs.

“He told my brother earlier that he would kill him for talking back,” Toshi alleged. “By the time I moved the car aside and came back, my brother was lying in a pool of blood.”

Ugo was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival due to severe blood loss. According to the family, the soldier’s name tag — bearing the name ‘Felax Sefya’ — fell off during the altercation and was recovered at the scene. The tag has reportedly been handed over to the police as evidence.

Comrade Joe condemned the killing, calling it another example of unlawful violence by security personnel in Nigeria. “This must not be swept under the carpet,” he said. “The Nigerian Army should immediately identify and arrest the officer involved. It’s time to end this culture of impunity.”

He also questioned the practice of deploying soldiers to man estate gates and other civilian areas. “Soldiers are trained for combat against external threats, not to police civilians. These deployments endanger lives,” he warned. “The Army must withdraw its personnel from such posts immediately.”

Joe urged the Chief of Army Staff, Defence Headquarters, and the Inspector General of Police to conduct a joint investigation and ensure justice for the slain civilian. “Ugo was a young man with a pregnant wife who now faces life alone because of a senseless act of violence. Nigerians must not stay silent. We demand justice,” he said.