Following
the brutal murder of over 10 pro-Biafran protesters by men of the
Nigerian Army, the Chief of Army Staff has ordered immediate
investigation.
Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has revealed that
the Nigerian Army has commenced immediate investigation into the killing
of unarmed pro-Biafran protesters in Aba by the military. The incident
which happened some months back had caused heated controversy and
outrage.
More than 10 pro-Biafran supporters were brutally murdered by
security men while 30 sustained various degree of injuries as they
protested for the release of Nnamdi Kanu in Abia state.
COAS revealed in Enugu on Thursday that the army is already
investigating the matter and pledged that it is against the rule of
engagement to kill innocent people.
“We are already investigating it. When such incidents involve
the loss of lives, we usually conduct an investigation – that is our
procedure,” the army chief said.
He opined that soldiers are supposed to follow the rules of engagement and could not have opened fire on protesters.
“We have our rules of engagement, the troops cannot just open fire.” he added.
Earlier, while addressing officers and men of the military
formation, Buratai said the army’s rules of engagement permitted the use
of force, where other measures failed to address a security challenge.
“We have to ensure that we work within the framework of our rules of engagement.
“You know that the rules of engagement provide for the
protection of human rights, especially the protection of innocent
citizens.
“But in situations that entail the use of fire, the protection of human rights does not apply.
“So, when you apply the rules of engagement and it is necessary to open fire, human rights will not apply.”
The killing of the unarmed pro-Biafran activists was widely
condemned. In fact, Amnesty International accused the army of ‘excessive
use of force’ protesters.
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