A viral video has surfaced on social media, depicting a senior army officer and two soldiers brutally assaulting a civilian man in the heart of Abuja. The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, allegedly took place after the man ‘overtook’ the military vehicle.
The disturbing 1:57-minute video, obtained by Channels Television, captures the harrowing ordeal endured by the civilian. Throughout the footage, the man can be heard groaning in agony, repeatedly pleading, “How did I pass your car! How did I pass your car! Oh My God!” as the soldiers relentlessly beat him. Despite the victim’s evident distress and a female passenger’s cries of “He is not feeling fine! He’s not feeling fine! Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!” the military personnel showed no mercy, continuing their brutal assault.
The situation escalated further when the soldiers turned their aggression towards the female passenger, who had been recording the encounter. In an attempt to seize the evidence, one of the soldiers can be heard demanding, “Give me the phone! Give me the phone!” as they attacked the woman.
As the video gained traction on social media, public outrage swelled, with many calling for swift action against the perpetrators. Reports have emerged indicating that the assaulted man is pursuing legal action, seeking a staggering N150 million in compensation and the dismissal of the Major General involved in the incident.
In response to the growing public outcry, the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered an immediate investigation into the matter. In a statement released by the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, on Tuesday, the Nigerian Army acknowledged the viral video and the need to “unravel” the circumstances surrounding the altercation.
The statement read, “The attention of the Nigerian Army (NA) has been drawn to a viral audio-visual recording circulating on social media platforms, purportedly showing a senior Army officer and 2 other soldiers in an altercation with a man and woman within the Abuja metropolis. The circumstances leading to this incident are not clear at the moment. However, the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered an immediate investigation to unravel the true circumstances surrounding this altercation.”
The Nigerian Army further affirmed its commitment to serving and protecting all law-abiding citizens, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. However, the incident has raised serious questions about the conduct of military personnel and the need for stricter oversight and accountability within the armed forces.
This shocking display of brutality comes at a time when the Nigerian military is already facing scrutiny for its handling of internal security challenges, including the ongoing fight against insurgency and banditry in various parts of the country. The incident threatens to further erode public trust in the military and underscores the urgent need for reforms to address issues of human rights abuses and the use of excessive force by security personnel.
As the investigation unfolds, the nation watches with bated breath, demanding justice for the assaulted civilian and a clear demonstration of the military’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of its citizens. The outcome of this case will serve as a litmus test for the Nigerian Army’s ability to hold its own accountable and restore public confidence in the institution.
The viral video has not only sparked a national conversation about the conduct of military personnel but has also reignited calls for a comprehensive review of the training, oversight, and disciplinary mechanisms within the armed forces. Many citizens are demanding that the government take concrete steps to address the root causes of such incidents and ensure that those who abuse their power and violate the rights of civilians are brought to justice swiftly and transparently.
As the nation grapples with this disturbing incident, it is clear that the Nigerian Army faces a long road ahead in rebuilding trust and demonstrating its commitment to serving and protecting the people. The eyes of the nation and the international community will be closely watching the investigation and subsequent actions taken by the military leadership to ensure that such acts of brutality are not tolerated and that those responsible are held fully accountable for their actions.
