Soldiers face trial over assault of physically challenged man

The soldiers who manhandled a physically challenged man, Mr. Tobias Chijioke Oratu, in Onitsha on Tuesday for wearing a garment with camouflage pattern have been arrested and are currently undergoing trial, military authorities have said.

The authorities said Thursday in Onitsha that the two soldiers had been tried by the 302 Command in Onitsha led by Col Idongesit Akpan and had been referred to higher authorities for appropriate disciplinary measures.

Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano has directed provision of medical care and social welfare for the man.

Briefing newsmen at the 302 Command in Onitsha, the Deputy Director, Information, 82 Division of the Nigeria Army, Col Musa Sagir alongside Col Akpan, said the army regretted the actions of the perpetrators. He said the attitude of the military police personnel posted to the 302 Regiment in Onitsha did not reflect the real attitude of the present force under the leadership of Lt. Gen. TY Buratai.

‘’The leadership of the army frowns at the action of those soldiers and does not encourage it and we are also ready to sanction any person whenever it occurs. They have been tried by the Commanding Officer of 302 Regiment and have been referred to a higher authority. We are concerned about what happened, and we are appealing to the public and international community that the men have violated the core value of the army for the respect for one another. The army is a disciplined and morally sound organization and does not condone gross professional misconduct and indiscipline,” he said.

Musa said the army had planned to take the victim to a hospital for proper treatment which according to him, he rejected, saying he did not like Western medication.

The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy Ogbuefi Tony Nnachetta, said the governor had ordered immediate investigation into the incident.