The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has commended the Nigerian Army for responding quickly to its call on the Army to investigate allegations of abductions and rape by soldiers attached to the Guards Brigade, Abuja.
In a statement in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Prof. Bem Angwe, stated that the punitive action taken by the Army in dismissing the four soldiers involved in the incident is a clear signal to all that no one is above the law.
“We commend the Chief of Army Staff Lt. General Azubuike Onyeabo Ihejirika and the entire Nigerian Army for taking this bold step to cleanse itself from this outrageous misdemeanor committed by her wards,” he said.
The Commission called for further investigation and prosecution of the dismissed soldiers by the court to ensure that justice is done. The Executive Secretary disclosed that a team of Lawyers from the Commission have been mandated to hold watching brief on behalf of the Commission in the criminal trials.
It will be recalled that the NHRC had called on the Chief of Army Staff and the FCT Police Commissioner to investigate the allegation that some men in army uniform abducted and raped some women in Abuja.
The Commission’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Bem Angwe, in a statement on January 16th 2013 specifically requested the Chief of Army Staff to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and assured the general public that the rights of the victims will be enforced.
The Commission will also ensure that the victims are adequately compensated.
