The Nigerian Army has strongly refuted allegations that its personnel were responsible for the death of a young man in Lilu community, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. The denial follows a viral social media video where youths accused soldiers of torture and extrajudicial killing.
Viral Video Sparks Tension and Accusations
The controversy erupted after a video, recorded in Igbo language, circulated online. In the clip, youths from Lilu claimed that three soldiers accosted four individuals on their way to a farm. The youths alleged the soldiers questioned them, subjected them to torture, and ultimately shot one of them dead before abandoning his body in a bush. This video caused significant fear and unrest, leading many residents to flee the community amid concerns over escalating violence.
Military Commander Issues Firm Denial
In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the Commander of the 302 Artillery Regiment in Onitsha, Colonel Bitrus Madaki Yakubu, categorically dismissed the claims. He described the allegation as a deliberate attempt to smear the reputation of the military.
Colonel Yakubu challenged the authenticity of the video, stating, "The military has nothing to do with killings in Lilu. Those that showed the video of the victim dumped in the bush should have also showed the video of the soldiers that shot him." He further argued that if the military had been involved, it would have been in response to a serious crime and would have been publicly documented, similar to operations against groups like IPOB and ESN.
Community Leader Points to Vigilante Arrest
Adding a crucial layer to the story, the President General of the Lilu Development Union (LDU), Akabekwa Ekene Elias, provided clarification that contradicted the viral narrative. He revealed that the deceased was initially arrested by the community's vigilante group, not soldiers.
Elias explained that the vigilantes detained the young man over suspicions that he was involved in fabricating guns for unknown gunmen (UGM) terrorizing the area. "When his arrest was brought to my attention, I directed them to release him, because nobody was able to prove that he was the person fabricating guns for the bad people," he stated. The victim was subsequently released, only for his body to be discovered later in a nearby bush.
While acknowledging the presence of a joint security task force comprising vigilantes, police, and soldiers in Lilu due to insecurity, Elias emphasized that the vigilantes handle most community-based security work. He urged calm as community leadership investigates the true cause of death.
The incident has heightened tensions in the region, which has been grappling with security challenges. Community leaders continue their investigation to unravel the circumstances behind the young man's tragic death.
