Nigerian Army, 82 Division, has dismissed an alleged molestation and arrest of IPOB women in Abiriba, Abia State, as totally unfounded.
Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Colonel Sagir Musa, in a release made available to Sunday Sun, said the allegation contained in a statement issued in Awka, Anambra State by IPOB Publicity Secretary, was a deliberate propaganda to discredit the Nigerian Army. It read: “The allegation, just like others before it, is false, sheer IPOB’s propaganda to discredit the Nigerian Army, which at the moment, will not succeed.
Hence, I was able to confirm from the Officer in Charge of patrol of Abiriba and its environs, Major Danjuma Ali and the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Abiriba, Superintendent Titus Ugwuoke who briefed me – there was no truth in IPOB’s accusation.”
Insisting that no woman was rough-handled or arrested, the Army Spokesperson explained: “On Thursday 18 May 2017, at about 1705 hours, soldiers of 14 Brigade Ohafia on routine patrol in Abiriba general area, received a distressed call alerted them of massive presence of IPOB women wing in Abiriba township stadium. Most of them (the women) were carrying Biafran flags, banners and other insignia. Majority were dressed in Biafran T – Shirts.”
“Instant intelligence revealed that majority of the women came from Aba, Awka, Onitsha, Owerri and Port Harcourt axis as reflected on the various banners exhibited in the stadium. By Friday 19 May 2017, at about 0930 hours, women in large number surged towards the stadium. At that point, the patrol team moved close to the arena, with intent to monitor them further. On sighting the team, the women run out, removed part of their dresses and converged in an alternate venue where the Divisional Police Officer, Abiriba and His Majesty Eze Ogbu of Abiriba addressed the gathering. After the Eze’s address, they peacefully dispersed to their various destinations,” he further narrated.
According to Musa, the troops had been trained on civilian protection and respect for human rights in and out of conflict situations.
Army denies arrest of IPOB women in Abiriba
