Gunmen Suspected To Be Cultists Kill Soldier In Abia, Right In Front Of His Mother

A Nigerian Army personnel identified as Lance Corporal David has been reportedly killed by armed men at Ngwa road in Aba South Local Government Area of Abia State, in what sources describe as a targeted attack.

ABN TV learnt that the incident happened on Friday 21st November 2025.

The deceased, said to be in his late twenties or early thirties, hailed from Edda in Ebonyi State but was raised in Aba, where he also had his education before joining the Nigerian Army in 2020. He was said to have served in Northern Nigeria before being redeployed to Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

David was reportedly visiting his parents after being granted a pass from duty to recover from a recent appendicitis surgery. It was during the visit that the assailants stormed the family compound and shot him dead in the presence of his mother.

Eyewitnesses claim the victim was unarmed and not in uniform at the time of the attack.

One resident, who identified himself as Ugochukwu, described the killing as shocking and emotionally devastating.

“He is not a cultist, but some of his friends are. He just returned and was recovering from surgery. We even saw him playing football a day before. His mother begged them to kill her instead, but they said he was the one they came for. She watched them kill him. It was traumatic,” he said.

Another resident, Chigozie, suggested the attack may be cult-related, pointing to another killing that occurred shortly after the incident around Umunkama Road in the same local government area.

“After killing the soldier, the same group allegedly killed someone known to be a cultist. That is why some people believe it may be linked to cult rivalry,” he added.

Residents also alleged that soldiers carried out mass arrests in the community following the killing, with several young men still reportedly in detention.

While some residents suspect cult-related revenge, military sources have blamed the killing on members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

A source at the 14 Brigade, Ohafia, who confirmed the soldier’s death but requested anonymity, insisted that the killing was carried out by suspected IPOB members.

“The deceased was not serving under our brigade, but we have confirmed the attack. He was targeted by IPOB,” the source alleged, declining further comment.

However, community sources dispute this claim, saying the attackers wore black outfits and appeared to be enforcing a personal grievance.

Sources also disclosed that the soldier had previously been cautioned by military officers in Aba for wearing his uniform openly in the area, reportedly because of rising insecurity and targeted attacks on security personnel.

Another source added, “Yes, it’s true, he was of 20NA. One LCpl David who was on sick leave. Some unknown gunmen went to his father’s house at Ngwa Road, Aba, Abia State and murdered him.

“To our personnel, please if you are on pass, be vigilant. Do not sleep carelessly or move around unnecessarily. Stay alert at all times because you don’t know who may be coming after you. Especially those traveling to the East for pass, remain cautious and do not trust your village people completely as a soldier. Your safety must always come first. Stay sharp and stay alive.”

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Army, police, and Abia State government have not issued official statements regarding the incident.

Meanwhile, residents say tension remains high in the community following increased military patrols and arrests.