‘I refused cultism, they beat me’ — student alleges assault by soldiers

A team of soldiers attached to the 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Asaba, Delta State, has come under public scrutiny following allegations of brutality against a student of Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic, identified simply as Francis.

The incident, said to have occurred on May 1 in Ogwashi-Uku, has generated widespread condemnation after photos of the student with visible injuries circulated on social media.

According to the victim’s account, the encounter began when a group of suspected cultists approached him and attempted to force him to join their group. Upon his refusal, the individuals allegedly seized his mobile phone, prompting him to demand its return.

The situation reportedly escalated after the owner of a nearby hotel—where the suspected cultists were drinking—invited soldiers to intervene.

Francis claimed that upon arrival, the soldiers engaged the group in conversation before turning on him.

“They seized my phone and I tried to retrieve it. The hotel owner called the army, and when the soldiers came, they spoke with the boys and then began beating me,” he alleged in a statement shared online.

The case was brought to public attention by activist Harrison Gwamnishu, who condemned the alleged actions of the soldiers and called for an immediate investigation.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gwamnishu questioned the conduct of the personnel, expressing concern over what he described as a troubling relationship between security operatives and criminal elements.

He criticised the soldiers for allegedly failing to apprehend the suspected cultists and instead subjecting the student to physical assault.

“Are Nigerian Army soldiers now working with cult groups? Why would they protect criminals and attack a law-abiding citizen?” he asked.

The activist also used the opportunity to warn young Nigerians about the dangers of cultism, stressing that such affiliations often result in violence, legal consequences, and long-term harm.

He urged victims of intimidation by cult groups to speak out and seek help, adding that those responsible for the incident must be held accountable.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the 63 Brigade nor the office of the Director of Army Public Relations has issued an official response or confirmed whether an internal probe has commenced.

Efforts to reach the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Onyinyechi Apollonia Anele, were unsuccessful, as she could not be contacted.