Torture of Ex-Soldier by IPOB Condemned by Nigerian Army
The Nigerian Army has strongly condemned the brutal torture of an ex-soldier, retired Corporal Toriola Adewale, by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The director of the Army Public Relations, Major-General Onyema Nwachukwu, made the statement on Sunday in Abuja, following the circulation of a video showing the victim’s ordeal.
According to Nwachukwu, Adewale, who retired from the Nigerian Army six years ago, was subjected to brutal torture by the IPOB/Biafra Liberation Army. The victim was also forced to deliver messages to active military personnel, urging them to abandon their duties and responsibilities.
"It is clear that this defenceless citizen was further compelled to falsely claim he was treated well while being held captive," Nwachukwu said. "The claim by IPOB and its terrorist leader that ex-Cpl. Toriola is still serving in the Nigerian Army is far from the truth."
Nwachukwu described the actions of IPOB as "outrageous propaganda" aimed at justifying their savage mistreatment of an unarmed and law-abiding citizen who served his country meritoriously. He urged all Nigerians to disregard the malicious video and stand united against the vile acts of terrorism perpetrated by IPOB against Nigerians, particularly those in the South East.
The Nigerian Army has intensified operations aimed at eradicating terrorism and insurgency in the Southeast and other parts of the country, following the recent annihilation of key terrorist leaders in identified strongholds. Nwachukwu emphasized that the savage treatment of innocent citizens like Adewale and other law-abiding Nigerians must not be treated with levity.
The Army has called on international organizations, including Amnesty International and the International Criminal Court, to take immediate action and hold Simon Ekpa and other IPOB terrorist elements accountable for these heinous crimes. The Nigerian Army has pledged to remain steadfast in protecting all Nigerians, including its retired and active personnel from such terror.
As the international community condemns the brutal act, the Nigerian Army has made it clear that justice will soon catch up with those responsible, and they cannot hide forever.
