Abdulraheem Muhammed Olarewaju
An unidentified soldier allegedly killed a mechanic, Chukwudi, by stabbing him in the neck during an argument in the Kugbo area of the Federal Capital Territory.
The soldier, accompanied by two others, fled the scene after the incident. In response, a mob set his car on fire.
One of the soldier’s companions has been apprehended, but the soldier’s whereabouts remain unknown.
The incident has ignited widespread anger and concern among Nigerians on social media, with many expressing frustration over the behavior of military personnel and the state of security in the country.
Obinna Akor criticized the conduct of soldiers, highlighting issues of brutality and lack of professionalism: “Rogue soldiers dominate the Nigeria army now.
They see their uniforms and work as means of dehumanizing, brutalizing, and killing people—the very people they are meant to safeguard and protect. When will discipline, patriotism, integrity, and professionalism return to the Nigeria army and other security outfits?”
Kenneth Akubueze pointed to systemic problems in military recruitment, accusing the army of enlisting former insurgents: “What do you expect when Boko Haram are being recruited into the Nigerian army? The Northern politicians even came out openly to say they are repentant Boko Haram.”
Davidson Uba expressed despair about the current state of the nation under the leadership of President Tinubu: “Life’s now meaningless under Tinubu.”
Onlyone Mu’azu Snr reflected on the tragedy, expressing sadness and questioning what could have caused such a fatal argument: “What could be the argument that would lead to this? This is so sad.”
Prince Jarule voiced skepticism about accountability and justice in Nigeria: “No be Nigeria, nothing will happen, no be the first time.”
Joel Sylvester criticized the foundation of the military, attributing the behavior to systemic issues and the integration of former insurgents: “This is what Nigerian soldiers are known for, but I don’t blame them because that’s their foundation. Said repentant Boko Haram merged into Nigeria soldiers.”
Collins Daniel condemned the military’s likely inaction, pointing out double standards in how such incidents are handled: “Nigeria military can you see what your soldier performed? If a mechanic killed a soldier or if it happened in Delta or the East, by now the military would be killing people anyhow.”
Mikey Giid used harsh language to describe the state of the nation, calling Nigeria a “zoo”: “Not surprised that in the zoo called Nigeria anything goes. For Nigeria to still be in existence is a crime, is an abomination.”
Yerhseer Saad offered a different perspective, suggesting that the mechanic might have done the same if roles were reversed: “Two fighting, even if the mechanic had the chance, he would kill him.”
David Delight Ayobami expressed a longing for positive news from Nigeria: “Ah… when will we just be having to read good news in Nigeria again?”
Kelvin Harvey and Felicity Onyemachi both raised concerns about justice for the mechanic. Kelvin asked, “Who will fight for the mechanic now?” while Felicity wondered, “Who is killing whom now, and who’s going to avenge the mechanic?”
Akan Ifum questioned the soldier’s identity and accountability, suggesting he is now a suspect rather than a soldier: “From now he is no longer a soldier but a suspected murderer.”
Adenekan Akinyemi Oluwaseunara Snr highlighted anger management issues as a potential cause of the tragedy: “Issues with poor anger management.”
Nneka Ofobuike acknowledged that while mechanics can be difficult, the soldier’s actions were excessive: “Mechanics can be annoying, but this is too much.”
Learned Man succinctly commented on the anonymity of the perpetrator: “The soldier is an unknown soldier, period.”
Stephen Monday noted that while no one deserves such a death, some mechanics can be problematic: “Nobody deserves such a death, but some mechanics are terrible.”
Eziuche Declan suggested a retaliatory approach to justice: “Hope the soldier was also killed; kill me, I kill you 1-1.”
Muhammad Garba Kibiya labeled the incident as injustice: “Injustice.”
Balogun Goodness commented on the context of widespread suffering, indicating that the news adds to the already difficult situation: “Bad news on top of hunger.”
Martins Onovo echoed the sentiment of a dysfunctional state, calling Nigeria a “zoo”: “Truly, Nigeria is a ZOO.”
Shadrach Abraham linked the incident to widespread societal issues, indicating that many are angry and on edge: “No normal person in the country again. Everyone is depressed, full of anger, just waiting for you to touch them.”
Nnamdi Okoro made a cryptic remark, possibly suggesting resignation to the situation: “This is one of the reasons we hail thee.”
Prudence Monica Davies expressed condolences for the deceased: “Sad. May his soul rest in peace.”
Jude Judex reiterated a common accusation about military recruitment: “When the Nigerian government gives Boko Haram soldier clothes to wear, what else do you want to hear?”
Chukwuemeka Oge questioned the justice system, emphasizing the disparity in treatment if roles were reversed: “Who will fight for the mechanic? Just imagine if it were the mechanic that stabbed the soldier to death.”
Kalu Emmanuel condemned the pattern of military abuse, calling for soldiers to remember their voluntary service: “This is now becoming a norm. Soldiers harassing and intimidating civilians.
If that civilian had resisted and overpowered him, all barracks would have trooped to the area to oppress innocent people.
I keep saying it… Soldier work is not compulsory in Nigeria. You decided to go and pick the form. Stop acting like you are doing Nigerians a favor by being a soldier.”
