By DEBORAH COKER

Civilian members of staff of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in Abuja, on Tuesday protested against alleged inhuman treatment of their colleague in Lagos by some military personnel.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the protesting workers locked the gates to the ministry preventing staffers and visitors from entering or exiting the premises.

NAN also reports that the protesting staff displayed banners with inscriptions such as “we say no to military brutality”, “they brought in dogs to intimidate us”, civilians are not slaves to the soldiers, among others.

A source who spoke with NAN on the condition of anonymity said the protest was in connection with the treatment melted out to a staff in the Lagos office.

“A civilian (a MoD staff in Lagos) interfered when he saw some soldiers punishing some students by making them roll in muddy water.

“He was recording the incident when a Lieutenant demanded his cell phone. He refused, saying his phone was his personal property.

“Some soldiers with the Lieutenant said his action was disrespectful to their superior and started beating the man.

“The man is currently hospitalised in Lagos. That is why Staff of MoD here are protesting in solidarity with our counterpart in Lagos”, the source told NAN.

The source recalled that one of our civilian staff died not long ago after being tortured by some personnel of the Nigerian Navy in Lagos.

“We are saying enough is enough”, the source said.

He said the ministry management promised that such would not happen again, adding that from every indication that promise was not fulfilled.

“This is the reason this latest assault is being met with anger today”, the source said. (NAN)

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