Residents of Ugbokpo, a community in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, have raised serious allegations against soldiers deployed under Operation WHIRL STROKE, accusing them of arbitrary arrests, forced labour, and even fatal abuse.
According to multiple community sources, soldiers allegedly stormed the area without provocation, arresting several individuals and detaining them at a military lodge. During their unlawful detention, the victims were reportedly subjected to forced labour—including fetching firewood, drawing water, and performing domestic chores such as laundry.
Women were also not spared, with many allegedly coerced into washing the soldiers’ clothes.
In addition to the abuse, residents claim families were forced to pay money before their detained relatives could be released, sparking outrage among the local population.
Man Reportedly Killed After Mistaken Identity
This incident follows a disturbing report by SaharaReporters about the death of 35-year-old Ernest Owoicho, who was allegedly tortured to death by the same soldiers after being wrongly identified.
“Last week Saturday, that is on 05/04/25 at about 1:50 p.m., the army came with their Hilux, including a man named Ijada Obodonbodon, who pointed at my brother,” said Apochi Owoicho, Ernest’s elder brother.
He recounted that his brother was taken to a military camp, brutally beaten, and later transferred to the mortuary without the family’s knowledge.
“I went to the army camp to inquire, but they told me nothing had happened. I was confused because my brother is Ernest Owoicho, not Victor Otache,” Apochi added.
Call for Investigation
The case has been reported to both the police and the local government chairman, Comrade Adams Ochega, who has since involved the military police for a proper investigation.
Military police have reportedly visited the community and the home of the deceased as part of preliminary inquiries.
Despite this, tensions remain high in Ugbokpo, with locals demanding justice and accountability for what they describe as systemic abuse and impunity.
Saharareporters
