Exclusive: Nigerian Soldiers Accused of Torturing and Killing Community Nurse Ernest Owoicho in Benue State

On Saturday, April 5 2025, troops from Nigeria’s military task force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), reportedly tortured and killed a nurse and community advocate, Ernest Ochoechi Owoicho. This tragic event occurred in Ugbokpo, Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.

The 39-year-old father of two was a known volunteer in medical outreach campaigns and community development activities in Benue’s conflict-ridden Apa and Agatu Local Government Areas (LGAs).

A credible source told West Africa Weekly that Ernest, also known as “ECOMOG,” was arrested at his home around 1:50 PM on Saturday. He was preparing a meal when soldiers stormed his residence without a warrant or explanation. The arrest was reportedly carried out without the presence or involvement of the Nigeria Police.

During the arrest, Ernest managed to call his brother, Apochi Nelson Owoicho and told him soldiers were assaulting him. Witnesses say the troops refused to speak with family members or give any reason for the arrest.

Ernest was then taken to Elu Lodge, where he was allegedly tortured for hours. By 5:00 PM that day, a body was taken to the Apa General Hospital and registered under a false name – Victor Otache.

Suspicions spread that the body was Ernest’s, but both Elu Lodge and the hospital morgue were placed under tight military control, barring public access and independent verification. His identity may have been intentionally obscured to delay or prevent public outcry.

Early on Sunday, April 6, Ernest’s family attempted to confirm if the body was his but were denied access. The mortician insisted on a police report, which the police refused to provide. Frustrated, the family staged a protest at the hospital. They were later granted access to the morgue at 11:00 AM, where the body was confirmed to be Ernest’s.

Photos and eyewitness accounts indicate Ernest’s body showed signs of extreme torture, including visible bruises and wounds.

The following day, April 6, the Apa Youths Progressive group controversially referred to Ernest as a “suspected cultist leader,” praising the military for eliminating “criminal elements.” This raised concerns that the true nature of Ernest’s death was being distorted to justify the killing.

Until his death, Ernest was deeply involved in humanitarian work. He was a nurse and a volunteer with the Apa-Agatu Initiative for Development.

He led community cleanups and participated in medical outreaches for displaced residents affected by the farmer-herder crisis. He also pioneered the local chapter of the Alliance for Advancement of Apa-Agatu, a youth-led civic group.

To better understand Ernest’s life before his death at the hands of Nigerian troops, West Africa Weekly reviewed his digital history. His footprint shows his unwavering advocacy efforts in Apa LGA, as shown below.

The House of Representatives member for Apa/Agatu, Hon. Ojotu Ojema, has condemned the killing as “gruesome.” He visited the OPWS base in Ugbokpo and pledged to ensure those responsible are held accountable.

There are several civil ways of investigating a case other than torture. The gruesome murder of this young man is highly condemnable and the culprits won’t go unpunished”, Ojema said through his aide.

The unrest in the state, which has been brewing for months, stems from a failed reconciliation initiative between Fulani herdsmen and the Apa/Agatu communities. The initiative, led by Agatu LGA Chairman James Melvin Ejeh under Governor Hyacinth Alia’s direction, was meant to bring peace. Instead, it has led to the accelerated occupation of local villages, leaving residents in constant fear. Herdsmen have gained increasing control, with more communities being overrun.

Ernest’s tragic death has only added fuel to the growing anger in Benue State, where the farmer-herder crisis continues to devastate local communities. Ernest’s family is demanding justice and an independent investigation into the circumstances of his death.

West Africa Weekly contacted the Nigerian Military for comments but received no response by press time.

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