The Nigerian Army has detained one of its personnel, Private Christopher Emmanuel, over the alleged assault of a female food vendor, identified as Dooshima, in Kula community, Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident, which reportedly occurred on May 6, 2025, is said to have stemmed from a dispute over an unpaid food debt.
The soldier allegedly assaulted the vendor following a verbal exchange during a phone call.Confirming the development, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, 401 Special Forces Brigade, Makurdi, Abdullahi Lawal Osabo, stated that the matter is under investigation.
“Private Christopher Emmanuel is currently in custody, and a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement read.
It added, “The Nigerian Army has zero tolerance for human rights abuses and will take appropriate disciplinary action based on the outcome of the investigation.”
The Army also assured the public and the victim that justice would be served, reiterating its commitment to upholding discipline and professionalism.
“Operation WHIRL STROKE strongly condemns any form of indiscipline or abuse of human rights by its personnel. Members of the public are encouraged to report such cases to the Army Human Rights Desk rather than resorting to social media,” the statement added.
The Army emphasised that all complaints against its personnel are taken seriously, thoroughly investigated, and sanctioned where necessary.
Meanwhile, a Benue-based human and gender rights activist, Ukan Kurugh, has petitioned the Chief of Defence Staff and the National Human Rights Commission, demanding justice for the victim.
In the petition dated May 8, 2025, titled “Cruel and Dehumanizing Treatment of a Female Food Vendor (‘Mama Put’ Operator) by Private Emmanuel Christopher in Gwer West, Benue State,” Kurugh described the incident as “brutal” and “a flagrant abuse of military authority.”
He claimed that Private Emmanuel consumed food worth N2,400 at the vendor’s eatery—located near a temporary military base in Kula—and failed to pay despite several reminders.
“When the vendor approached him to request payment, the soldier returned wielding a stick,” Kurugh alleged.
“In a demeaning act, he dropped naira notes on the ground and ordered her to pick them. When she bent down, he reportedly beat her with the stick, inflicting serious injuries.”
Kurugh said the soldier justified his actions by claiming the vendor was rude and needed to be “taught a lesson.”
He further argued that no citizen, especially one striving to earn a living, should be subjected to such degrading treatment.
“The people of Gwer West have endured enough trauma from incessant attacks by suspected herdsmen. A military base was established in Kula to protect the community, not to harm the very people it is meant to defend,” the activist said.
He urged the military authorities to ensure a full and impartial investigation, bring the perpetrator to justice, and provide medical and financial support for the victim.
