The Nigerian Army has said it is investigating the alleged killing of three locals and cattle estimated at 100, by its troops who were on an operation in a Sabon Birnin village market of Igabi Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
The Army expressed its dismay over the incident on Thursday, via a statement, signed by its spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu, given gory images and videos circulating the internet.
The statement also captured the Army’s sympathy towards the bereaved and the community at large, assuring them that justice would be duly served when the investigation confirmed the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“Nigerian Army has been drawn to a disturbing news report with gory pictures/video footage 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 sympathise with the 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,” the Army said.
The situation in Kaduna as revealed in the videos, shared by Islamic Scholar, Ahmad Gumi
on his verified Facebook page, showed animals scattered across the market along with the three bodies, while traders looked on.
The video was accompanied by a caption which read, “Banditry has a cause. And this is part of it. Two wrongs don’t make a right, especially when committed by those entrusted with our protection.”
Eyewitnesses claimed that soldiers, some of whom were on motorcycles, opened fire on the cattle, leading to the deaths of the victims as traders fled for safety.
However, the Nigerian Army reiterated its constitutionally mandated to protect the lives and property of the citizenry, and 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 unravelling those behind it.
“We therefore appeal for calm and assure the general public that the outcome of the investigation will also be made public,” the Army said.