The Nigerian
Army has denied molesting members of the women wing of the Indigenous People of
Biafra (IPOB) in Abia State.
IPOB,
through its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, had on Friday alleged
that the women were beaten up and their cloths torn by soldiers during their
meeting in Abiriba.
But a
statement issued by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division,
described the allegation as funny and comical, saying there was no element of
truth in the accusation.
It
maintained that the leadership of the Division is rather intensifying efforts
in further training of troops on civilian protection/respect for human rights
in and out of conflict situations.
The
statement read in part: “Let me make it clear that the drama and the allegation
that follow are deliberately staged by IPOB. The allegation, just like others
before it, - is false, sheer IPOB’s propaganda to discredit the Nigerian Army.
“Hence, I
was able to confirm from the officer in charge of patrol of Abiriba and its
environs, Major Danjuma Ali and the Divisional Police Officer in charge of
Abiriba, Superintendent Titus Ugwuoke who briefed me - there was no truth in
IPOB’s accusation.
“On
Thursday,18 May 2017, at about 1705 hours, soldiers of 14 Brigade Ohafia on
routine patrol in Abiriba general area, received a distressed call alerting
them of massive presence of IPOB women wing in Abiriba township stadium. Most
of them (the women) were carrying Biafran flags, banners and other insignia.
Majority were dressed in Biafran T-shirts.
“Instant
intelligence revealed that majority of the women came from Aba, Awka, Onitsha,
Owerri and Port Harcourt axis as reflected on the various banners exhibited in
the stadium.
“By Friday
19, May 2017, at about 0930 hours, women in large number surged towards the
stadium. At that point, the patrol team moved close to the arena, with intent
to monitor them further. On sighting the team, the women ran out, removed part
of their dresses and converged on an alternate venue where the Divisional
Police Officer, Abiriba and His Majesty Eze Ogbu of Abiriba addressed the
gathering. After the Eze’s address, they peacefully dispersed to their various
destinations.
“His Royal
Majesty Eze Ogbu has since briefed the local government chairman and members of
the local government security council on the matter, and there was nothing to
suggest that the women were rough handled or arrested”.
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