Mr Chijioke Uraku,

The Nigerian Army has demoted two soldiers, Cpl. Bature Samuel and Cpl. Abdulazeez Usman of 82 Provost Company in Onitsha, Anambra, to Private for human rights abuse

The Nigerian Army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

Usman said the demoted soldiers on Feb. 7, maltreated a physically challenged person, Mr Chijioke Uraku, on the street of Onitsha, Anambra, for allegedly wearing Army camouflage uniform,

Usman said they were arrested, summarily tried on two-count charge and found guilty.

“Consequently, both have been sentenced to reduction in rank from Corporal to Private Soldiers and 21 days imprisonment with Hard Labour, respectively.

“It includes forfeiture of 21 days pay to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“The Nigerian Army has also reached out to the victim of their unjustifiable assault, Mr Chijoke Uraku (alias CJ), as widely reported by the media.

The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army (NA) had in an earlier statement on Friday said it donated some clothing and cash to Chijioke Ajakwu Aka CJ

Addressing the press at the Headquarters of 302 Artillery Regiment in Onitsha on Friday, the Deputy Director Public Relations 82 Division, Colonel Sagir Musa, reiterated that the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has zero tolerance for human rights abuses and would not condone or encourage professional misconduct among its officers and men.

Sagir added that: “What is given to the victim should not be misconstrued as compensation, but a genuine gesture to show our fellow country men and women and indeed the international community that the Nigerian Army is a responsible and caring organisation.”

Also speaking at the event, the Commanding Officer of the Regiment, Colonel Idongesit Akpan appreciated members of the press for their balanced and objective reports on the issue.

Colonel Akpan said: “This misconduct would not occur again. It is an isolated case which doesn’t represents the attitude of the regiment and the Nigerian Army.”

In a remark at the occasion, the representative of the Governor Anambra State, who is also the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Victoria Chikweli commended the Army for the timely response and excellent management of the crisis. She stated that she was requested by the Governor Anambra State to attend the event with the view to finding out what the NA is doing on the matter.

The Commissioner expressed the concern of the Anambra State Government on the issue and the readiness of Governor Willie Obiano to take over from where the army has stopped.

She further disclosed that the Governor would also received the victim soon.

(NAN)