Nigerian Army Probes ‘Assassination Attempt’ On Governor Wike
Nigerian army has set up a team to investigate the alleged assassination attempt on Rivers state governor Nyesom Wike.
It was gathered that the army team would also probe allegations of misconduct against soldiers during Nigeria’s recent general election.
Spokesman for the army Sagir Musa explained in a statement on Friday that the committee was set up as part of measure to ensure that troops deployed for election security duties conducted themselves within laid-down Rules of Engagement.
The committee was inaugurated by the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General Kay Isiyaku, on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, and has already commenced investigation.
Isiyaku asked the committee chairman, Major General T.A. Gagariga, and other members to carry out their duties objectively, fairly and transparently, in line with its Terms of Reference.
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The committee was directed to collate and thoroughly analyse all reports to determine the veracity of the allegations, including the alleged assassination attempt on Wike and the circumstances that led to the shooting to death of Lt. Luka Kurmi, as well as that leading to serious injuries to an officer and some soldiers in the state.
“The committee is further mandated to visit all states where issues have been raised about the conduct of NA during and after the elections and also interact with Civil Society Organisations, sister security agencies and state governors with claims against the Army,” the statement said.
“It would be recalled that the COAS, Lt. Gen. T.Y. Buratai has on many fora, consistently (both in words and actions), soundly indicated that, under his watch, NA personnel must remain apolitical, respect human rights and abide by the rule of law in all its official engagements within or outside Nigeria and in or out of conflict situation.”