Massive outrage have trailed reports of arrest of unarmed civilians in Abia State by men of the Nigerian Army following the death of 5 soldiers who were killed by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The incident, which has sparked condemnation from citizens across the nation, has raised concerns about human rights violations and the role of military in curbing crimes.
Reacting to the development numerous Nigerians have taken to social media to express their dismay and demand accountability from the authorities.
Rose Agwu a medical doctor, whose sibling was taken away by men of the Nigerian Army tweeted, “At exactly this time 5am yesterday while I was at the hospital running my Accident and Emergency shift and saving lives, the Nigerian army broke into my home, forced my 72 year old father to sit in an unhealthy position while they took away my 15 year old brother and sister.”
“Till now my siblings have not been returned home, my Family have being in panic and living in fear, the doors and gates were broken, no arrest warrant was shown, no official statement as to why they were took my minor sibling or sister. This is not how justice is served!”
In another reaction to the unfortunate incident Henry Nkume said, “This is why the @HQNigerianArmy is hated in the East. We condemn the actions of the faceless gunmen who unprovoked attacked and killed members of the Nigerian Army. But this action by the Army is what radicalises Younger people to take arms and attack them.”
Condemning the act of the Army, Samuel Ajayi posted, “Terrorists attacked you, went their way. You went around picking up people in the area indiscriminately, even as young as 15, to an unknown location. You’ll torture them, perhaps kill some, you’ve done it before. Real terrorists are still intact in their location, you won’t conduct proper investigation and gather intelligence to go after them. You’re not so different from the terrorists.”
“I ask for the fortieth time, how does kidnapping random people around area where military are killed in any way solve or stop this random killings going on in the country? Is brute uncontrolled force meted out to innocent citizens the answer to this? Someone help answer.” another X user, Green Run queried.
Meanwhile, officials from the Nigerian Army have yet to comment on the situation, further fueling speculation and frustration among residents of the State.
