The Nigerian Army yesterday denied molesting members of the women wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Abia State.

The group, 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, Abia State.

But a statement issued yesterday by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, and made available to newsmen in Awka, 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.

“His Royal Majesty Eze Ogbu has since briefed the local government chairman and members of the local government security council on the matter, and there was nothing to suggest that the women were rough handled or arrested”.

“Surprisingly, while the soldiers were making their way back to their duty post, they saw some of the women rushing down to the palace half-Unclad.

krasican:
I never still see any pic or video were d ipob women were harassed ....abi deir phone battery dey down that time.....so d person wey snap d pic during protest no dey around dat time ? ipob too dey lie abeg

OrestesDante:
IPOB are still the only set of Barbarians we have here in Africa!

TheKingdom:


RIIGHT, because your president has been on vacation in London paid by people like you who cant reason...or have the guts t do anything about it 50+ years and counting.


Where is your national airline Giant of Africa?

FOOLS

Agumbankembu:


When soldiers dey brutalize person, tell me they allow you record them, in order to gain YouTube hits.
Rubbish talk, as if you don't know how army smashes people's phones, if they feel you are recording their atrocities.

krasican:
I never still see any pic or video were d ipob women were harassed ....abi deir phone battery dey down that time.....so d person wey snap d pic during protest no dey around dat time ?

mikeoh:

OK see this one All this made the women to strip in protest.

krasican:


why u dey defend dis ipob lies.....i know d extent ipob go go if really dose women were harassed ...dem must video am i know for sure....we no even see any pic of injured person ...if really na soldier dem go wound person

krasican:


why u dey defend dis ipob lies.....i know d extent ipob go go if really dose women were harassed ...dem must video am i know for sure....we no even see any pic of injured person ...if really na soldier dem go wound person

Okoroawusa:
there is no how army will molest those IPOB women n there wont be a video or pics...impossible!
meanwhile if it was a women conference y a handful of women n did they come prepared wit bomber shorts n biafra flag designed bras?
ayam not understanding...