Joy Anyim
The Nigerian Army has denied killing anyone during the ‘Isheri Day’ celebration at Isheri Olofin community in Ogun State.
This denial was contained in a statement issued by the 81 Division, Nigerian Army, in response to the alleged shooting spree by soldiers during the festival on August 13.
Recall that the Ogun Police Command had earlier issued a statement alleging a team of soldiers had shot and stabbed innocent persons during the festival.
According to the statement by the Army, signed by the acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Lt. -Col. Olaolu Daudu, the soldiers only responded to a distress call.
The statement reads: “ The attention of 81 Division Nigerian Army has been drawn to a news story insinuating that soldiers of 9 Brigade on patrol were involved in the killing of three people in Isheri Olofin Community of Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State on the 13th of August 2019.
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“The 81 Division hereby states that the patrol team in response to a distressed call, made a prompt intervention to forestall bloody clash among the “Isheri boys” who are allegedly referred to as a dangerous cult group terrorizing the community.
“ It is important to also state that there was no firing or exchange of fire between the troops and the alleged cult group throughout the period of the troops’ intervention.
“However, one of our soldiers got a deep cut on the head arising from the troops’ efforts to avert lethal conflict in the community.
“The wounded has been evacuated to General Hospital for first aid treatment from where he was subsequently transferred to the Military Hospital. He is responding to treatment at the moment. Peace has since been restored to the affected area.
“Members of the public are requested to disregard the news indicating the so called killing of three people in the area. The news is baseless and is therefore fake.”
In the statement, the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj Gen J.O. Irefin also assured the public of the resolve of the Division to protect lives and properties of all law abiding citizens of the state and environs while urging the people to continue with their legitimate routine activities unhindered.
