Franklin Ivara, 26, has spent over two months in a hospital bed at the Federal Medical Centre in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. He is suffering from a shattered left leg caused by a gunshot wound sustained during a military operation in the Itigidi Community of Cross River State on April 20, 2026. His family claims the Nigerian Army initially promised community leaders they would cover all medical expenses, but they have since abandoned the family.
According to Franklin’s brother, John Ivara, the community had temporarily seized a motorcycle belonging to the soldiers to ensure accountability. It was returned only after military personnel pledged to provide specialized care for the victim. Since that meeting, the family reports that the soldiers have been unresponsive to their repeated pleas for help. Franklin’s mother, a retired civil servant, is struggling to fund the N2.5 million required for the urgent surgeries needed to prevent permanent disability.
A police investigation report acknowledges the shooting occurred during a military checkpoint operation, describing the injury as accidental. However, the military provides a different account of the incident. Major Yemi Sokoya, Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 13 Brigade, stated that troops were responding to an attack by suspected kidnappers and that Franklin was struck in the crossfire. The Army has formally denied reaching any agreement to finance the victim’s medical treatment, citing a lack of documentary evidence regarding such a promise.
