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A coalition of civil society organizations operating under the platform of the Edo Civil Society Organizations (EDOCSO) has accused the Nigerian army of complicity in kidnapping and various acts of criminality in Edo state.
According to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the coalition, Osazee Edigin and obtained by Crimefacts.news, the group alleged thatthe 4th Brigade of the Nigerian army, Benin, has refused to surrender their officers arrested for various kidnapping activities in Edo state to the police for prosecution.
The group listed the names and service numbers of the soldiers as follows:
1. Corporal Ahmed Collins with Army Number 13/ NA/70/4960 serving with 813 Battalion, Katsina state.
2. Lance Corporal Balogun Taiwo with Army Number 13/NA/ 69/0369 serving with 35 Battalion, Katsina state
3. Private Evans Isibor with Army Number 15/NA/73/1529 serving with 34 Artillery Battalion , Owerri, Imo State
The statement read in part: “The three solidiers who were posted to the North East of Nigeria on special duties abandoned their postings and returned to Edo North where they engaged in series of kidnappings, armed robberies and other criminal activities.
“As a coalition of civil society groups in Edo state that promotes good governance, social justice and human rights, we are using this medium to call on the governor of Edo state to prevail on the Nigerian Army, 4 Brigade, to handover the three soldiers to the police for prosecution. The lives of their victims are under serious threat since the military released the culprits to walk free. The civilian arrested alongside with them have been charged to court since.”
The group maintained that the soldiers are not above the law and should made to face the consequences of their actions, by law.
