Standupja Gossip: Nude Protest, Army Denies Molestation Of
IPOB Women
The Nigerian Army has denied molesting members of the women
wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Abia State.
IPOB, through its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma
Powerful, had on Friday alleged that the women were beaten up and their cloths
torn by soldiers during their meeting in Abiriba.
But a statement issued by the Deputy Director, Army Public
Relations, 82 Division, described the allegation as funny and comical, saying
there was no element of truth in the accusation.
It maintained that the leadership of the Division is rather
intensifying efforts in further training of troops on civilian
protection/respect for human rights in and out of conflict situations.
The statement read in part: “Let me make it clear that the
drama and the allegation that follow are deliberately staged by IPOB. The
allegation, just like others before it, - is false, sheer IPOB’s propaganda to
discredit the Nigerian Army.
“Hence, I was able to confirm from the officer in charge of
patrol of Abiriba and its environs, Major Danjuma Ali and the Divisional Police
Officer in charge of Abiriba, Superintendent Titus Ugwuoke who briefed me -
there was no truth in IPOB’s accusation.
“On Thursday,18 May 2017, at about 1705 hours, soldiers of
14 Brigade Ohafia on routine patrol in Abiriba general area, received a
distressed call alerting them of massive presence of IPOB women wing in Abiriba
township stadium. Most of them (the women) were carrying Biafran flags, banners
and other insignia. Majority were dressed in Biafran T-shirts.
“Instant intelligence revealed that majority of the women
came from Aba, Awka, Onitsha, Owerri and Port Harcourt axis as reflected on the
various banners exhibited in the stadium.
“By Friday 19, May 2017, at about 0930 hours, women in large
number surged towards the stadium. At that point, the patrol team moved close
to the arena, with intent to monitor them further. On sighting the team, the
women ran out, removed part of their dresses and converged on an alternate
venue where the Divisional Police Officer, Abiriba and His Majesty Eze Ogbu of
Abiriba addressed the gathering. After the Eze’s address, they peacefully
dispersed to their various destinations.
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