Lieutenant Phoebe Pleasant Johnson was a young soldier whose life and dreams ended in the most tragic way. Her father hails from Isikwato Local Government in Abia State, while her mother is from Okigwe in Imo State. She graduated from the Nigeria Defence Academy in December 2022, a proud moment for her family who had prayed for her success.
After her passing-out parade in November, Phoebe went to visit her grandmother in Okigwe, where she planned to spend Christmas and New Year. She shared a strong bond with her grandmother and wanted to spend quality time with her before resuming her duties fully. Her mother, however, had been cautious about revealing her daughter’s military status, given the rising insecurity and separatist tensions in the region, where security officers were often targeted as enemies.
Sadly, her mother’s sister—who runs a beer parlor in Okigwe—could not hold back her excitement. She told many in the community about her niece who had just become a lieutenant in the Nigerian Army. Although Phoebe avoided wearing military uniforms or openly identifying as a soldier, word about her spread quickly. On December 31st, unknown gunmen stormed her grandmother’s home at night, arriving on motorcycles. They abducted both Phoebe and her aunt. While her aunt remains missing to this day, Phoebe’s fate was more tragic.
The Nigerian military immediately launched a manhunt for her rescue, raiding several Biafra Liberation Army camps. But hopes were dashed when a video surfaced, released by “Major General” Gentle the Yahoo, leader of the separatist fighters. In the footage, Phoebe appeared weak, malnourished, and bleeding. Gentle warned Igbo people serving in the military or police to resign, threatening death to anyone who defied the order. The chilling video ended with Phoebe’s hands bound as she was brutally beheaded.
Her death shocked the nation and left her family devastated. Lieutenant Phoebe Johnson, a symbol of youthful courage and sacrifice, paid the ultimate price for serving her country. May her soul rest in peace.
