Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori and a human rights organisation, Journalists for Defence of Human Rights (JDHR), have condemned the killing of two youths in the state.
While the governor condemned the murder of Jerry Aduara, an indigene of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom, who was a two-time chairman of the Odion Urhobo Youth Council and member of the Warri South Local Government Peace Committee, JDHR condemned the killing of Oghenekaro Bonny, who was killed while visiting a friend along with two others on Sunday, at Delta Marine Logistics and Technical (DMLT) Estate in Otokutu, Ughelli South local government area of Delta State.
The governor, who gave directive to security men to investigate the killing during a visit to the Delta State Command of the DSS, said, “I have directed security agencies to arrest the person who shot and killed somebody in Warri. They should look for that person and bring him to book, including those backing him. Nobody involved will go scot-free because this is Delta State, and we want peace.”
Also, JDHR called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Bonny.
This was contained in a statement by the chairman, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu and the secretary, Okakuro Akpokona Omafuaire.
According to eyewitness reports, the incident occurred on October 12, 2025, at Plantation City Estate near Otokutu Community in Ughelli South LGA. The soldier, alongside colleagues, reportedly assaulted Ugo during a dispute over whether he had permission to enter the estate gate or not.
The confrontation escalated and witnesses said, the soldier stabbed Ugo, who later died in the hospital.
Rights activists have urged the Delta State Police Command and the Chief of Army Staff to intervene and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The military in a press release following the incident, claimed that the soldier acted in self-defence, saying that Ugo, identified by Army as Mr Ugochukwu Oghenekaro was part of a group trying to force entry into the DMLT Estate gate without clearance, became aggressive, and engaged in a physical altercation.
According to the military version of the story, the soldier, while on duty, halted the group, and the situation escalated, leading to the dooming outcome.
But the family of the deceased disputed the claim that Ugo posed a threat or was involved in criminal activity.
They maintained that he was visiting a friend, not attempting to force entry. His relatives also alleged that the Army’s narrative is inconsistent with eyewitness accounts, that they were not appropriately involved in investigations, and that evidence such as statements from his brothers and medical reports has been ignored.
In its statement, JDHR rejected the self-defence claim as lacking credible evidence and insists on a thorough investigation before jumping into a conclusion.
The group demanded an independent and thorough examination of all facts, including autopsy reports, witness testimonies, and any security camera or other video footage.
JDHR called for the soldier involved to be suspended pending investigation and urged the Army, as well as the police, to show transparency in the proceedings, to regain public trust.
