Crime & SecurityNewsNigeriaOff-duty soldier stabs 27-year-old trader to Death in Akure

Tragedy struck the Arakale Market in Akure, Ondo State, on Saturday, after an off-duty soldier allegedly stabbed a 27-year-old trader, Ezeani Ebuka, to death.

Details surrounding the incident remain unclear, but witnesses reported a heated argument between the soldier and Ebuka earlier that day.

While the exact cause remains under investigation, some sources suggest it may have stemmed from a disagreement over a service rendered by Ebuka.

“I think the soldier and the trader (deceased) had an argument over service rendered by the trader. I think the solder was not satisfied with the service and he asked for a refund,” a source said.

“That was when the trouble started. Later, the soldier mobilised his colleagues and the arguments continued. It was there the trader was stabbed by one of the soldiers, after which they left the scene.”

The argument reportedly turned violent, with the off-duty soldier allegedly stabbing Ebuka. The soldier and possible accomplices then fled the scene, leaving Ebuka critically wounded.

Despite attempts to rush him to a medical facility, Ebuka succumbed to his injuries. The incident sparked outrage among fellow traders at the market, who staged a protest by blocking a major artery, the Arakale axis, for several hours. Police were eventually deployed to disperse the crowd and restore order.

The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident. “We can confirm the stabbing death of a young man by a soldier,” stated spokesperson Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya. “The command is in touch with the military authority so that the culprit(s) can be identified and arrested.”

The Nigerian Army has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.