Two recent incidents portray the Nigerian Army in bad light, and we urge the top hierarchy to ensure that those desecrating the image of the army are punished. The first was the alleged attempt to cover up the fatal shooting of Ms Damiete Green, 24, by Sgt Yinka Ayileka, of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. While the court should determine the culpability of Sgt. Ayileka, those who tried to cover up the incident must be punished.

According to a relation of the victim, Mrs. Preye Omungo, a “lawyer came to see us on behalf of the soldier. After apologizing for the incident, he said they were willing to compensate us more if we would change the statement we made at the station about the incident.” There was an earlier complaint by the mother of the victim, Madam Koteinbofori Harry that the sum of N150, 000.00 was offered the family to distort what happened.

The heart-broken mother lamented the insult: “They see us as nobody, so to them, my daughter is worth less than a ram.” A lawyer identified as Emma is alleged to be behind the gale of offers to withdraw the original statement made concerning the incident, and replace same with another claiming the shooting happened when soldiers were exchanging gunfire with robbers, and the source of the fatal bullet is unknown.

We urge relevant army authority and the police to investigate the allegations, and punish anyone found culpable. While the act of shooting Damiete Green at such a promising young age is heart-breaking, the attempt to cover same amounts to adding salt to open wound. Those involved in such reckless disrespect for the laws of our country should be made to face justice. On his part, Sgt. Yinka Ayileka, should face the military procedure, and subsequently a trial without further delay.

The second incident involved the alleged assault of a female police officer on traffic duty in Calabar, by a soldier who rode in a black Toyota Corolla with registration number AGL 175 HA. The soldier who was not in uniform reportedly assaulted the police officer when she stopped him, and fled the scene after the incident. An effort by another female police officer to capture the assault on camera resulted in attack by another female soldier.

A video reportedly taken from the scene has gone viral. The video shows a police officer bleeding from around the eyes, as there were persons who claimed to have witnessed the incident. There was a report of skirmishes between the policemen and soldiers after the incident. Again, we urge the army authority to investigate the claim, using the number plate of the vehicle which the soldier allegedly drove off in, as the primary connection.

Most times, it is junior officers and persons of other ranks that portray the security agencies in bad light. Of course, what happens with the army also happens with the police, especially in their relationship with civilians. So, we urge the senior officers to ensure discipline within the rank and file. Those who abuse the privilege attached to the uniform they wear must be made to answer for their indiscretion.

We are a nation of law and order, and we are not in a war situation. Those who break the country’s laws must be punished. Sgt Ayileka must answer for the alleged fatal shooting of Ms Green, with those attempting a cover-up. Also, the soldier who allegedly assaulted a female police officer on traffic duty and drove away must be found and punished.

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