VICTIM OF ALLEGED ARMY OFFICERS BRUTALITY GETS ASSISTANCE FROM HIS STATE GOVERNMENT

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has called on the Chief of Army Staff to sack the two Army Officers who allegedly assaulted a physically challenged person for putting on a military camouflage in Onitsha, Anambra State. Chief Umahi made the call when he received the victim at Government House,  Abakaliki.

The alleged assault on the physically challenged person who gave his name as Chijoke Oraku from Item Amagu in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State occurred last week at Egetin in Onitsha, Anambra State. The act carried out by two Army Officers who operated with a Hilux van went viral online thereby prompting their arrest and orderly room trial.

Chief Umahi commended the Chief of Army Staff and the GOC Eighty Two Division Nigeria Army Enugu for the disciplinary action so far taken against the culprits but called for their prosecution to serve as a deterrent to others.

‘’We believe that 21 days imprisonment is not enough, they did not behave like human beings and to be demoted is not enough. I suggest to them that those people should be sacked from army and prosecuted.’’

Chief Umahi donated five hundred thousand  Naira to the victim and promised that the State Government would rehabilitate him to enable him to live a meaningful life.

The Governor also released thirty million Naira to alleviate the sufferings of one hundred and forty eight homes affected during an alleged invasion and attack of Azuofi Ida Community in Izzi Local Government Area by their  neighbours in Cross River State.

‘’We can give them 10,000 naira each home and a bag of rice as immediate intervention. The Commissioner for Water Resources will provide borehole where they are staying.’’

Narrating his ordeal to newsmen, the victim of the Army brutality, Mr. Oraku expressed appreciation to the State Government and the Army High Command over their efforts to ensure that he got justice.

‘’Am so glad and I don’t have problem with anybody.’’

Mr. Oraku who appeared before the Governor with the controversial Military Camouflage however said he had forgiven the Army Officers pointing out that he was putting on the wear because he had no other clothe.

BY AMECHI ODOH