Chaos in Fayose Market as Soldier Brutally Attacks Civilian With Plank and Combat Knife in Ado-Ekiti

Ado-Ekiti was thrown into panic on Wednesday after a disturbing incident involving a uniformed Nigerian soldier and a civilian spiraled into violence at the popular Fayose Market, leaving traders and shoppers in shock. Eyewitnesses recount a chilling scene that unfolded in a matter of minutes but felt like an eternity—an episode many now describe as another alarming example of unchecked brutality by security personnel against the very citizens they are meant to protect.

According to multiple accounts from traders in the bustling market, the confrontation began with a seemingly minor disagreement. The victim, whose identity had not been officially disclosed at the time of reporting, was said to have exchanged words with the soldier over an undisclosed issue. What started as a verbal dispute escalated dramatically when the soldier, towering in full military gear, grabbed a wooden plank from a nearby stall and struck the man several times. Witnesses described the sound of the plank hitting flesh as loud enough to silence entire rows of shops, sending people scrambling for safety.

The attack did not end there. In a shocking turn, the soldier reportedly pulled out a combat knife from his belt and stabbed the civilian, inflicting injuries that onlookers say could easily have been fatal. The moment the knife emerged, according to a trader who witnessed the altercation from her stall, the market erupted in screams, with some people running, others crying, and a few brave individuals trying unsuccessfully to intervene. “It was like a nightmare happening in broad daylight,” she said. “He just kept hitting him, and before we knew what was happening, he had brought out a knife.”

Panic spread rapidly across Fayose Market, one of the busiest commercial hubs in Ado-Ekiti, as the soldier's aggression left many fearing for their own safety. Several traders quickly locked up their shops, while others fled through the market’s side exits. Traffic was disrupted along the adjoining road as motorists slowed down or stopped entirely, trying to understand the chaos unfolding ahead.

Videos recorded by bystanders began circulating online within minutes, amplifying public outrage and drawing intense criticism toward the Nigerian Army’s disciplinary structures. Many Nigerians questioned how a trained soldier could assault a civilian in such a brutal and public manner, especially in a period when tensions between uniformed personnel and civilians have been particularly sensitive. Comments on social media ranged from calls for immediate arrest to demands for broader reforms aimed at curbing military abuse.

Security officials eventually arrived at the scene, but by then, the soldier had reportedly left the market premises, leaving the injured man bleeding and surrounded by horrified spectators. Emergency responders were summoned, and the victim was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was said to be receiving treatment. Unconfirmed reports suggest that he sustained deep wounds but was still alive at the time this report was filed.

The Ekiti State Police Command has yet to release a detailed statement, but senior officers confirmed that they were aware of the incident and had begun investigating. The Nigerian Army’s spokesperson had also not issued an official comment, but activists argue that silence at a time like this further fuels the perception that abuses by security forces often go unpunished. Human rights groups immediately condemned the attack, calling it a gross violation of both national law and basic human dignity. One rights advocate noted that such cases of brutality, when not promptly addressed, only widen the gap between civilians and the forces commissioned to maintain peace.

Residents of Ado-Ekiti expressed deep frustration that an ordinary day of trading could turn so dangerous. Fayose Market, usually alive with chatter, bargaining, and the vibrant energy of local commerce, was left rattled by the event. Some traders, still shaken, said they feared returning to the market unless authorities assured them that the perpetrator would be disciplined and measures put in place to prevent future occurrences. Others expressed anger, saying the soldier’s uniform should never have been used as a license to harm an unarmed citizen.

This incident adds to a worrying pattern of confrontations between Nigerian security personnel and civilians across the country. Recent years have seen multiple reports—some documented, others not—of soldiers engaging in excessive force over issues that could have been resolved peacefully. Analysts say the militarization of everyday spaces, combined with a lack of accountability, has contributed to an environment where violent outbursts too often go unchecked.

In response to the public uproar, prominent voices on social media have called for the immediate identification and arrest of the soldier involved. Many Nigerians insisted that the military must publicly address the situation, not only to reassure citizens but also to demonstrate that uniformed personnel are not above the law. Calls for the Nigerian Army to release updates on the soldier’s status grew louder by the hour, with the hashtag #FayoseMarket trending as videos of the attack continued to spread.

Families of the victim have not issued a statement, but community leaders in Ado-Ekiti say they are monitoring the situation closely and have urged authorities to ensure the man receives full medical attention and justice. Traders at the market have appealed to the state government to intervene and restore confidence among business owners who feel unsafe after witnessing such a violent confrontation.

The soldier’s motive remains unclear, but many believe that no explanation could ever justify the level of brutality exhibited. For many Nigerians, this incident is a stark reminder of the wider challenges around the abuse of power and the urgent need for reforms that prioritize human rights and civilian safety. While Nigeria continues to battle numerous security challenges, public trust in its armed forces is crucial—and events like this only deepen existing cracks in that trust.

As investigations begin and public pressure mounts, all eyes remain on the Nigerian Army and Ekiti State authorities. Will swift justice be served, or will this be another addition to the long list of unresolved cases involving military brutality? For now, Fayose Market is trying to return to normal, but the echoes of that violent confrontation linger—a haunting reminder of how quickly everyday life can descend into chaos, and how urgently accountability and reform are needed to ensure such scenes never happen again.