The Nigerian Army is set to arraign 16 soldiers over the April 14 abduction of more than 200 girls from Chibok, Borno state.
The soldiers, including 3 senior officers and 13 soldiers of
lower ranks, are expected to appear before a General Court Martial at the Maxwell Khobe Military Cantonment, Rukuba in Jos, Plateau State after the Sallah festivities, Punch reports.
Lieutenant Col. A. O. Ojo
is reportedly being charged for failure to secure the Chibok community
and for issuing an unauthorized statement regarding the girls’ purported
rescue. The two other officers involved are Capt. O. O. Ogunrinde and 2nd Lieutenant V.I. Godknows.
A source said:
“The
Lt. Colonel is being charged for allegedly giving information without
verification, negligent performance of military duty and not going to
reinforce the place where the incident took place. The charge attracts a
maximum of two years’ imprisonment.”
In confirming their impending arraignment, the source added:
“Only
Godknows and 13 soldiers were on duty in Chibok. They were not
stationed within the school. No soldier was stationed in the school and
they didn’t know that the school was in session.”
“But I can confirm to you that the Army has concluded preparations to arraign them.”
The
abduction of the over 200 girls almost 6 months ago has led to severe
criticism of the Nigerian Army, a situation which was made worse by
claims that the girls had been rescued, claims which was later
discovered to be false
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