The Nigerian Army has arrested and detained of one of its personnel following an alleged brutal assault on a female food vendor in Kula, Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State. The incident, which reportedly occurred on May 6, 2025, and was brought to the Army’s attention on May 8, involves Private Christopher Emmanuel and a vendor identified as Doshima.
According to a press release from the Headquarters Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), signed by Ag Assistant Director Army Public Relations, Abdullahi Lawal Osabo, the incident may have originated from a dispute over an unpaid debt.
The release said the allegations suggest the soldier claimed the woman insulted him during a phone conversation, potentially escalating into a physical altercation that was now under thorough investigation.
Earlier, a petition addressed to the Chief of Army Staff by a Benue-based human rights activist Ukan Kurugh provided more graphic details of the alleged assault. The petition claimed the dispute stemmed from a N2,400 debt owed by Private Emmanuel for food. When the vendor respectfully requested payment, the soldier allegedly returned to her business wielding a large stick, dropped money on the ground, and then brutally beat her with the stick when she bent to pick up the money.
The activist’s petition states the soldier justified his actions by claiming the vendor was rude and needed to be “taught a lesson.” Pictures of the victim’s injuries were attached to the petition.
He confirmed that Private Christopher Emmanuel is currently in custody as the Army commences a full investigation into the matter. The Nigerian Army, through the OPWS press release, stated that it has “zero tolerance for human rights abuses and will take disciplinary action based on findings of the investigation.”
The Army leadership assured the public and the victim that “justice will be served in line with the military’s high standards,” strongly condemning any form of indiscipline or human rights abuse by its personnel.Images showing Dooshima’s injuries alleged to have been inflicted by Private Christopher
Mr Ukan Kurugh’sopetition highlighted that the community in Gwer West is already suffering from the trauma of incessant attacks by suspected killer herdsmen, and that the military presence was intended to provide protection, making the soldier’s alleged actions particularly distressing to the local population.
The Nigerian Army advises members of the public to report instances of abuse by personnel through the Human Rights Desk helpline rather than resorting immediately to social media, assuring that all reports of infractions are viewed seriously, investigated, and sanctions applied where personnel are found culpable.
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