The Nigerian Army Headquarters has condemned the torture of an ex-soldier, Toriola Adewale, by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
This was contained in a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, on Sunday in Abuja.
According the Major General Nwachukwu, the incident of the torture which was recorded in a video has being circulated by the self-acclaimed Prime Minister of IPOB, Simon Ekpa.
Nwachukwu noted that the victim retired from the Nigerian Army six years ago. He regretted that Adewale was obviously subjected to brutal torture by the so-called IPOB/Biafra Liberation Army.
He said, “Adewale, a retired corporal, was also forced to deliver messages to active military personnel. Urging them to abdicate their constitutional responsibilities and abandon their duties.
“This defenceless citizen was further compelled to falsely claim he was treated well while being held captive.
“It must be unequivocally stated that the claim by IPOB and its terrorist leader that ex-Cpl. Toriola is still serving in the Nigerian Army is far from the truth.
“This outrageous propaganda by IPOB terrorist group is undoubtedly an attempt to justify their savage mistreatment of an unarmed, law-abiding citizen who served his country meritoriously.
“Such dehumanizing acts must be condemned in the strongest terms by the international community.
“The Nigerian Army, therefore, urges all Nigerians to disregard this malicious video. And to stand united against the vile acts of terrorism perpetrated against Nigerians, and particularly, the law-abiding people of Southeast by IPOB terrorists.”
Nwachukwu said the majority of Nigerians in the Southeast and across the nation had rejected the criminal propaganda of IPOB.
He said, “The Nigerian military, in close collaboration with other security agencies, has intensified operations aimed at eradicating terrorism and insurgency in the Southeast and other parts of the country.
“The recent annihilation of key terrorist leaders in identified terrorists’ strongholds was clearly indicative of this commitment.
“The savage treatment of innocent citizens like ex-Cpl. Toriola and other law-abiding Nigerians must not be treated with levity.
“We call on all relevant international organizations, including Amnesty International and the International Criminal Court. To take immediate action and hold Simon Ekpa and other IPOB terrorist elements accountable for these heinous crimes.
“The Nigerian Army will remain steadfast in protecting all Nigerians, including its retired and active personnel from such terror.
“The villainous acts of terror by Simon Ekpa and his accomplices must come to an end. As justice will soon catch up with them.
“They can run, but they cannot hide forever,” the Army PR added.
source: NAN
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