Army Refutes Allegations
The Nigerian Army has firmly denied accusations of mass killings in the South East, dismissing them as baseless propaganda. These allegations came from Simon Ekpa, a factional leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who claimed that troops were killing innocent citizens and disposing of their bodies in rivers. However, the Army clarified that these claims are unfounded and aim to incite the public against military personnel.
False Video Claims
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, addressed the viral video used by Ekpa to support his allegations. Onyema stated that Ekpa manipulated the video to provoke negative sentiments towards the troops. He emphasised that the individuals in the video were not Nigerian Army personnel but members of the Nigerian Navy engaged in a routine test firing of a weapon system to ensure road safety.
Clarifying the Incident
The Army’s investigation revealed that the incident depicted in the video occurred in the South West, not the South East, as Ekpa claimed. Onyema explained that the naval personnel took precautionary measures by temporarily halting vehicular movement along the route to ensure the safety of other road users during the test firing. Ekpa and his associates falsely portrayed this routine procedure as a malicious act.
Public Reassurance
Onyema urged the public to disregard Ekpa’s claims, describing them as irredeemable falsehoods intended to incite unrest. Additionally, he reassured citizens that the Nigerian Army, alongside other security agencies, remains committed to maintaining peace and order across the country. Moreover, Onyema reiterated the Army’s dedication to ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians, countering any attempts to destabilise the South East region.
Propaganda and Misinformation
The Army highlighted the broader context of Ekpa’s actions, noting that he and his associates aim to spread misinformation and incite anarchy. Furthermore, the Nigerian military’s steadfast commitment to transparency and safety stands in stark contrast to the false narratives propagated by Ekpa. Consequently, Onyema’s statement serves as a call to the public to rely on verified information and support the efforts of the military to uphold national security.
Historical Context
In March 2024, the Defence Headquarters declared Ekpa among 97 individuals wanted for alleged involvement in violent crimes in the South East. This historical context further underscores the credibility issues surrounding Ekpa’s claims and highlights the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian military to address security challenges in the region.
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