The Nigerian Army has responded swiftly to the alleged killing of three civilians and a hundred cows in an operation by troops of 1 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sabon Birni in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, stating that the allegation will be investigated.
A press statement signed by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director, Army Public Relations on
22 August, 2024 said the news report with gory pictures/video footages published in some mainstream and social media platforms was disturbing. The statement emphasized that while the Nigerian Army wishes to sympathize with Sabon Birni community and families of the affected persons, it also wishes to state that the allegation will be thoroughly investigated and any personnel found culpable will be appropriately sanctioned.
Below is a full text of the press statement:
“The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a disturbing news report with gory pictures/video footages published in some mainstream and social media platforms alleging that troops of 1 Division annihilated 3 persons and some cattle during a recent operation at Sabon Birni in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
“While the Nigerian Army wishes to sympathize with Sabon Birni community and families of the affected persons, we also wish to state that the allegation will be thoroughly investigated and any personnel found culpable will be appropriately sanctioned. It is also necessary to add that the NA, which is constitutionally mandated to protect lives and property of the citizenry, can not tolerate doing otherwise.
”Accordingly, the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja has directed a thorough investigation into the incident with a view to establishing the immediate and remote causes of the incident and unraveling those behind it. We therefore appeal for calm and assure the general public that the outcome of the investigation will also be made public.
