Army investigate alleged beating of woman by soldiers in Lagos

The Nigerian Army has set up a board of inquiry to investigate the circumstances that led to the alleged brutality of a woman in Lagos State by some soldiers.

The inquiry was set up to determine the level of the soldiers’ involvement, as well as recommend appropriate disciplinary measures to be taken on the six soldiers who had already been detained.

The victim was beaten in Odogunyan, Ikorodu area of Lagos on March 12 after she challenged a soldier for slapping her brother and sustained injuries as a result of the brutality, according to some online reports.

According to 81 Division’s spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Olaolu Daudu, the incident involved soldiers of 174 Battalion and the woman attacked had been identified in various reports as Ruth Orji.

In their reaction to the incident, the military authorities failed to disclose the names of the victim and her attackers.

Below is the statement issued by Daudu:

“The attention of Headquarters 81 Division, Nigerian Army, has been drawn to the social media and newspaper online reports on alleged brutalisation of a female by soldiers.

“The incident occurred in Odogunyan, Ikorodu area of Lagos State involving soldiers of 174 Battalion on Sunday, March 12.

“The alleged incident is highly regrettable, even as the division under the Nigerian Army has zero tolerance for inhuman treatment. Discipline remains the bedrock of the Nigerian military profession.

“It is quite disheartening when such incidents occur even though such incidents will not be treated with any levity. Consequently, a board of inquiry has been constituted by the Commander 9 Brigade, Brigadier General Elias Attu.

“This is to investigate the circumstances that led to the incident, determine the level of the soldiers’ involvement, submit its findings and recommend appropriate disciplinary measures which will be communicated.”