BEVERLY HILLS, February 10, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Army on Friday presented clothings and an undisclosed sum of money to Mr Chijioke Orakwu, a physically-challenged man, assaulted by two military police officers in Onitsha for wearing army camouflage.
The video of the cripple being manhandled by two soldiers on February 7 at New Market Road recently sparked outrage among Nigerians when it surfaced on the internet.
While presenting the items and cash, the Deputy Director, Public Relations, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Col. Sagir Musa said the gesture were not to compensate Orakwu but to show that the Nigerian Army cares and respects rights of individuals.
He warned that the Army would not condone acts of indiscipline or gross misconduct by any member, stressing that the action of the soldiers did not reflect the attitude of the present crop of soldiers under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai.
According to him, “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.
“The Nigerian Army is seriously concerned about the incident.
“We want to assure Nigerians, particularly the international community that the Nigerian Army has core values and respect for the rights of people.”
He urged the public to view the case as an isolated one, assuring that any assault similar to the Onitsha incident would be treated with serious action should it repeat itself in the future.
The army spokesman said the army volunteered to take Orakwu to hospital but that he refused orthodox medication. He added that the doctors, who examined him physically, confirmed him to be physically fit.
“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,” Musa said.
He disclosed that the Army had warned against the abuse of military uniforms, saying it remain its policy which the army holds in high esteem.
Also speaking, the Commander of 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha, Col. Idongesit Akpan, assured that such incident would not repeat itself.
The state government was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Victoria Chikwelu, who expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the Army in handling the case.
She pointed out that Governor Willie Obiano was not in doubt of what the Army would do as regards the disciplinary measures against the perpetrators.
“Obiano has passion for the physically challenged and that is why he appointed one of them as his Special Assistant and also built three special skill acquisitions centres for their use,” she said.
Chikwelu went on to reveal that the state government had plans to also empower Orakwu at a later date.
In his response, the physically-challenged expressed happiness at the gifts and commended the army for the succour provided him.
