The Nigerian Army has offered clothing and undisclosed amount of money as succor to Chijioke Orakwu, a physically challenged person, assaulted by two military police officers in Onitsha for allegedly wearing army camouflage.
Orakwu was manhandled by two soldiers on Feb. 7, at New Market Road, Ontisha, in south Eastern Nigeria.
Spokesperson of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Col. Sagir Musa, presented the item and cash on Friday.
According to Musa, the Army would not condone acts of indiscipline or gross misconduct by any member, noting that, the action of the soldiers did not reflect the attitude of today’s soldiers under the leadership of Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai.
He said, “Already, those who perpetrated the act have been arrested and tried, and because of the seriousness of the offence, they have been referred to higher authorities for further action.
“We want to assure Nigerians, particularly the international community that the Nigerian Army has core values and respect for the rights of people.”
He however urged the public to view the case as an isolated one, assuring that future assault similar to the Onitsha incident would be treated with serious action, adding that, the army volunteered to take Orakwu to hospital but that he refused orthodox medication.
Musa added that the doctors, who examined him physically, confirmed him to be physically fit. He noted that the items given to Orakwu were not to compensate him but to show that the Nigerian Army cares and respect rights of individuals.
“All we did was not an issue of compensation but to show Nigerians and the international public that the Nigerian Army is disciplined, responsive and responsible, and that we care,” he said.
The Army, he said, had warned against the abuse of military uniforms, saying it remain its policy which the army holds in high esteem.