In a shocking display of violence, a soldier identified as Chiko Godspower, reportedly serving in Kaduna State, has allegedly stabbed two vigilantes—killing one—after a heated confrontation in the Udu area of Delta State.
The deadly encounter occurred on February 3 during a midnight patrol when a local vigilante team flagged down a speeding motorcycle for a routine check. The bike carried two passengers: a civilian and the soldier. However, what should have been a routine stop quickly escalated into a tense altercation.
According to the leader of the vigilante group, known locally as Bakassi, the soldier reacted aggressively, questioning their authority to stop his motorcycle. After a heated exchange, community members intervened, diffusing the situation. Both parties exchanged phone numbers and parted ways—seemingly resolving the conflict.
However, just an hour later, a similar scenario played out at Oviwian Junction. Another motorcycle sped toward the checkpoint, and the vigilantes signaled for it to slow down, unaware that it carried the same soldier.
This time, the soldier allegedly leaped off the bike in a fit of rage and attacked the vigilantes. In the ensuing scuffle, he drew a dagger, stabbing one vigilante in the hand and another in the neck. The latter died on the spot, while the wounded officer was rushed to the hospital.
Despite the suspect reportedly evading arrest, police authorities have instead focused their attention on the vigilante commander, summoning him to Asaba with the case file.
“They are harassing me even though I was not on duty that night,” the vigilante leader lamented. “The actual killer has not been arrested, yet I am being treated like a suspect. The police are even threatening to treat the complainant as a suspect if I do not cooperate.”
Adding to the intrigue, reports suggest that the soldier’s mother, who resides along Udu Road, mysteriously disappeared following the incident, raising suspicions about a possible attempt to shield the suspect from justice.
Bright Edafe, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the killing but stated that the identity of the suspect remains unverified.
“The suspect is believed to be a military officer, but we are still investigating. The vigilante commander has been asked to come forward as a key witness to aid our investigation. There is no need for him to be running away,” Edafe explained.
He further revealed that the case has been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), emphasizing that the commander’s testimony is crucial for making progress.
As outrage grows over the killing and the handling of the case, residents of Udu are demanding swift justice, calling for an end to what they describe as impunity by security personnel. The question now is—will the authorities hold the suspect accountable, or will this be yet another case of justice denied?
PIONEER NEWS 