By Augustine Ehikioya
To unravel the truth, the Nigerian Army has decided to investigate the alleged killing of three persons and 100 cattle by soldiers in Sabon Birni, Kaduna State.
The Nigerian Army took the decision following pictures and video footages that went viral on the social media platforms.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu. It was made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
It said “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a disturbing news report with gory pictures/video footages published in some mainstream and social media platforms alleging that troops of 1 Division annihilated 3 persons and some cattle during a recent operation at Sabon Birni in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
“While the Nigerian Army wishes to sympathize with Sabon Birni community and families of the affected persons, we also wish to state that the allegation will be thoroughly investigated and any personnel found culpable will be appropriately sanctioned.
“It is also necessary to add that the NA, which is constitutionally mandated to protect lives and property of the citizenry, can not tolerate doing otherwise.”
Accordingly, the statement said that the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja has directed a thorough investigation into the incident with a view to establishing the immediate and remote causes of the incident and unraveling those behind it.
“We therefore appeal for calm and assure the general public that the outcome of the investigation will also be made public” Army assured.
