Army investigates alleged brutality by soldiers in Lagos

Army investigates alleged brutality by soldiers in Lagos
NAN-DS-2
Woman
By Anita Eboigbe
Abuja, March 16, 2017 (NAN) The Nigerian Army has set up a Board of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances that led to the alleged brutality of a woman in Lagos state by some soldiers.
The inquiry was set up to determine the level of the soldiers’ involvement as well as recommend appropriate disciplinary measures to be taken on the six soldiers who have already been detained.
The victim was beaten in Odoguyan, Ikorodu area of Lagos on March 12. after she challenged a soldier for slapping her brother and sustained several injuries as a result of the brutality, according to some online reports.
According to the Division’s spokesperson, Lt.-Col. Olaolu Daudu, of 81 Division, the incident involved soldiers of 174 Battalion and the woman attacked has been identified in various reports as Ruth Orji.
In their reaction to the incident, the military authorities failed to disclose the names of the victim and her attackers.
Below is the statement issued by Daudu;
“The attention of Headquarters 81 Division, Nigerian Army, has been drawn to the social media and Newspaper online reports on alleged brutalization of a female by soldiers.
“The incident occurred in Odoguyan, Ikorodu area of Lagos state involving soldiers of 174 Battalion on Sunday, March 12.
“The alleged incident is highly regrettable, even as the division under the Nigerian Army has zero tolerance for inhuman treatment. Discipline remains the bedrock of the Nigerian Military Profession.
“It is quite disheartening when such incidences occur even though such incidences will not be treated with any laxity. Consequently, a Board of Inquiry has been constituted by the Commander 9 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Elias Attu.
“This is to investigate the circumstances that led to the incident, determine the level of the soldiers’ involvement, submit its findings and recommend appropriate disciplinary measures which will be communicated.
“The brutalised lady (name with held), has been taken to hospital where she is responding to treatment.
The six soldiers, also names withheld, are being detained in regards to the incident.
“The Division remains committed to its tasks as part of the constitutional mandate of the Nigerian Army. The Division continues to enjoin all to be law abiding and count on their support and cooperation.’’
In the meantime, the Joint Legal Action Aids, which is representing the victim has already sued the military authorities and asking for N250million in damages.
However, this is the second publicised case of female brutality by Nigerian soldiers.
In February, a Nollywood actress, Ebere Ohakwe was beaten by a soldier on her way to Onitsha which led to her being hospitalised.
The soldier who was identified as Sulaiman Olamilekan was sentenced to 28 days imprisonment with hard labour and no pay.
These incidents have led to cries from Nigerians for a check on the discipline of soldiers insisting that respect should be accorded to civilians. (NAN)
AEE/EAL
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Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi