Bende Youths Frontier Condemns Alleged Assault By Soldiers In Deputy Speaker’s Convoy, Demands Transparent Investigation

The Bende Youths Frontier, BYF, has condemned the alleged assault and phone snatching involving soldiers attached to the convoy of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu.

In a statement issued on Friday, August 14, 2026, the group described the incidents as “unacceptable and a threat to civil liberties,” and called for immediate restraint by security personnel attached to Very Important Persons, VIPs.

BYF said it was disturbed by two separate allegations that occurred on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

The first was at Ata, Umuahia, where an eyewitness alleged that soldiers in the Deputy Speaker’s convoy dragged the driver of a Lexus 300 Jeep out of his vehicle, assaulted him and drove him away following a minor accident with a Coaster bus in the convoy.

The second alleged incident was in Igbere, where a young man was reportedly beaten by soldiers and had his mobile phone taken from him.

“We condemn in strong terms the alleged snatching of a phone at Igbere and the alleged assault by soldiers attached to the Deputy Speaker’s convoy,” the statement read. “No Nigerian, irrespective of status or background, should be subjected to intimidation, assault or seizure of property by those paid to protect them.”

The Bende youths said while public officials deserve adequate security, the conduct of their security details must reflect democratic values.

“Security personnel attached to VIPs must exercise restraint, professionalism and respect for the rights of citizens. The presence of armed men should not create fear on our roads,” BYF stated.

The group noted that such incidents erode public trust and give the impression that security forces serve the privileges of the powerful rather than the people.

BYF called on the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Office of the Deputy Speaker to immediately launch a transparent investigation into both the Ata and Igbere incidents.

“If the allegations are false, let the authorities say so with facts. If they are true, let those responsible face disciplinary action in line with the law,” BYF demanded.

The youths urged Governor Alex Otti, and other leaders in Abia to continue to model civility and restraint in the conduct of convoys and security details.

“Bende belongs to all of us. Our democracy cannot grow where citizens are afraid of security convoys. Security should protect the people, not intimidate them,” the statement concluded.

As of press time, there has been no official response from the office of the Deputy Speaker or the Nigerian Army regarding the allegations.