List of top military officers from Benue executed by IBB over Vatsa’s coup

In 1986, the military regime of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) executed several officers accused of plotting a coup led by Major General Mamman Vatsa. The alleged conspiracy, which was seen as a direct threat to Babangida’s rule, led to a series of arrests, court-martial proceedings, and eventual executions. Many of those executed were senior military personnel, including several from Benue State.

Below is a list of some of the military officers executed in connection with the coup attempt:

Lt.-Col. Mike Iyorshe

Lt.-Col. Mike Iyorshe was a respected military officer from Benue State who had a distinguished career in the Nigerian Army. Known for his intelligence and tactical expertise, he was accused of being one of the masterminds behind the alleged coup against General Ibrahim Babangida in 1986. Iyorshe, like many others implicated, maintained his innocence, but the military tribunal found him guilty of treason. He was executed by firing squad, and his death remains a painful memory in Nigeria’s military history.

Lt.-Col. Chris Oche

Lt.-Col. Chris Oche was another high-ranking officer from Benue who fell victim to Babangida’s crackdown on suspected coup plotters. He had served diligently in the Nigerian Army and was known for his professionalism. However, he was accused of participating in the plot to overthrow the government. Despite appeals for clemency, he was convicted and executed alongside other officers. His death was widely mourned, especially among those who believed the charges against him were politically motivated.

Wing Commander Ben Ekele

Wing Commander Ben Ekele was a senior officer in the Nigerian Air Force, holding a crucial position in the military hierarchy. As an experienced pilot and strategist, he was deeply involved in the operations of the Air Force before his arrest. He was charged with conspiring against the government, a claim that he and his associates denied. Despite the controversy surrounding the trial, he was sentenced to death and executed, leaving behind a legacy of service and sacrifice.

Navy Commander Achukwu Ogwiji

Navy Commander Achukwu Ogwiji was a decorated naval officer who had served with distinction in the Nigerian Navy. His alleged involvement in Vatsa’s coup attempt remains a subject of debate, as some historians argue that the trial lacked sufficient evidence. Nonetheless, he was court-martialed and executed along with other officers. His execution highlighted the ruthless measures taken by Babangida’s regime to eliminate perceived threats to his rule.

Squadron Leader A. Ahura

Squadron Leader A. Ahura was a promising officer in the Nigerian Air Force, known for his dedication and skill. His name surfaced during the investigations into the coup attempt, and he was swiftly arrested and tried by the military tribunal. The proceedings were criticized for lacking transparency, but Ahura was nonetheless convicted and sentenced to death. His execution remains a grim reminder of the political instability and harsh military justice that characterized Nigeria’s leadership during that period.

These officers were among those convicted of treason and subsequently executed by firing squad. Their deaths remain a significant chapter in Nigeria’s military history, sparking debates over justice, loyalty, and political survival during the Babangida era.