The Nigerian Army, on Sunday, denied that its troops shot 11 members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to death during January 20 solidarity rally in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
Army’s spokesman, 6 Division, Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, said in Port Harcourt that the army adhered strictly to rules of engagement, in spite of provocation from some IPOB members.
Thousands of youths believed to be IPOB supporters took to the street on January 20 to commemorate the election of Donald Trump as 45th president of the United States of America.
Iliyasu said troops from its 29 Battalion were only deployed to assist other security agencies to prevent possible breakdown of law and order during the rally.
“The attention of 6 Division Nigerian Army has been drawn to a baseless and unsubstantiated allegation by one Mr Emma Powerful, who claimed that soldiers killed 11 IPOB members during January 20 rally.
“The allegation is false, malicious and existed in the figment of imagination of Mr Powerful, who claimed to be the publicity secretary of IPOB.
“Despite all provocative attempt occasioned by the stoning of security agents and smashing of commuters’ windscreen, troops refused to be cajoled to fire a single shot.
“The violent protest was only subdued with the use of tear gas, while arrests were made by a sister security agency with no casualty recorded on either side,” he said.
Iliyasu said pictures and videos put on social media were old materials picked from IPOB’s archives.
He said IPOB used the pictures and videos as propaganda to attract public sympathy and raise sentiment among citizens in its favour.
The division spokesman said the army would no longer tolerate any spurious and unfounded allegations aimed at injuring its image and reputation.
“We wish to inform the public that the allegation is untrue and so, should be dismissed as mere propaganda by the separatist group.
“We wish to restate our total commitment to the protection of lives and property within the division’s area of responsibility.
“To this end, Mr Powerful and other like-minded mischief makers are, hereby, warned that the Nigerian Army will no longer tolerate such allegations,” he said.
Iliyasu urged residents of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states to corporate with security agencies to enhance peace and socio-economic development of the region.
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