Some residents of Ugbokpo in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State have accused soldiers attached to Operation WHIRL STROKE of carrying out unlawful arrests and subjecting them to forced labour.
The locals alleged that soldiers invaded the community, arrested people without cause, and detained them in their lodge.
While in detention, the victims are forced to fetch firewood, draw water, wash clothes, and serve as househelps for the soldiers, SaharaReporters wa told.
Women in the community were also reportedly compelled to wash the soldiers’ clothes.
The families of the detainees are required to pay money before their relatives are released, according to multiple accounts from residents.
Meanwhile SaharaReporters had reported on Thursday how same soldiers tortured a 35-year-old man, Ernest Owoicho, to death after allegedly mistaking him for another individual.
“Last week Saturday, that is on 05/04/25 at about 1:50pm, the army came with their Hilux, including one guy called Ijada Obodonbodon. He was also inside the vehicle with them, and the boy is the one who pointed at my brother,” Ernest’s elder brother, Apochi Owoicho, had told SaharaReporters.
“They took him to their camp, beat him to death, and took him to the mortuary without our consent,” he said.
“I went to the army camp to inquire, but they told me nothing had happened,” Apochi said.
“I was confused because my own person is Ernest Owoicho, not Victor Otache,” Apochi said. “Blood everywhere,” Apochi stated.
“We reported the case to the police and to the local government chairman comrade Adams Ochega. They sent military police to our LG for proper investigation. They came to the house also,” Apochi added.
