Narrating the incidents, Olorunfemi Gbenga Ozogoro alleged that the soldiers, whose duty is to protect residents, have instead “turned against us,” carrying out attacks within the market and issuing threats.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

A resident of Ijebu North East Local Government Area in Ogun State has accused personnel of the Nigerian Army stationed at the Ilese Sapper Army Barracks of carrying out repeated intimidation and assaults on civilians near the Kasua Market.

Narrating the incidents, Olorunfemi Gbenga Ozogoro alleged that the soldiers, whose duty is to protect residents, have instead “turned against us,” carrying out attacks within the market and issuing threats.

A video obtained by SaharaReporters shows the victim’s face covered in blood from the injuries sustained.

“These soldiers, who are meant to protect civilians, have instead turned against us, committing repeated assaults inside Kasua market and issuing threats to law-abiding citizens,” he said.

Ozogoro recounted an incident on May 13, 2025, when he was attacked after trying to intervene in a mob assault on a suspect.

“On May 13, 2025, I was assaulted by a soldier identified as Officer Kola. After intervening to stop a mob from beating a suspect and calling the police for proper arrest, I was attacked inside the barracks,” he said.

“Officer Kola struck me with a snooker stick, causing severe bleeding. When I reported the matter, I was denied access to the Commanding Officer and told to ‘let it go,’ with excuses that the soldier was ‘not serious’ and often gambled in Kasua market.”

He further alleged that a second confrontation occurred on November 22, 2025, when he “visited Kasua market for a personal errand”.

“During a discussion with a police officer about a stolen phone, a barber named Kubara slapped me violently, causing facial swelling and ear injury,” he said.

According to him, soldiers again intervened to prevent an arrest.

“When I sought police assistance to arrest the assailant, two soldiers—Officer Regulate and Officer Daniel—intervened, prevented the arrest, and issued direct threats. They warned me never to enter the barracks or even walk on the federal road opposite the barracks leading to Ibadan and Epe.”

Ozogoro said he has recordings to support his allegations and that police efforts to intervene have stalled.

“I have voice recordings of these incidents as proof. Despite reporting to the police, enforcement has stalled due to demands for fuel money and logistical challenges. Meanwhile, I remain under threat from these soldiers, who continue to operate with impunity,” he said.

Ozogoro highlighted persistent attacks and intimidation of civilians by Nigerian Army personnel at Kasua Market, citing abuse of power and obstruction of justice by certain officers.

He also reported direct threats to his freedom of movement on a federal road, which he described as a violation of his constitutional rights.

He called on authorities to investigate the soldiers, hold them accountable, restore law and order in the market, and ensure the safety of civilians, emphasising that the issue reflects a broader pattern of security personnel perpetrating violence against the public.