House Of Rep To Investigate The Activities Of Nigeria Army Personels In Plateaue State

 


The House of Representatives on Thursday resolved to investigate the alleged sexual harassment and shooting of a female student by a soldier in Plateau State.

The action followed a motion jointly moved by Reps. Istifanus Gyang (Plateau-PDP) and Edward Pwajok (Plateau-APC).

Moving the motion, Gyang informed the House that on the Oct. 19, 2017, Indigenes of Sopp in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State embarked on a protest against soldiers manning checkpoint in the community, who allegedly caused the death of two boys.

He added that in the course of the protest, one of the soldiers a 17-year-old SS1 female student of Government Secondary School, Sopp, for allegedly refusing his sexual advances.

Gyang told the assembly that he personally visited the girl in the hospital where she opened up to him about the sexual harassment and deliberate shooting by the soldier.

The lawmaker further disclosed that apart from the girl two other people, Danjuma kaze and his son, Irimiya, were also shot and were receiving treatment at Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos.

“The Military is massively engaged in internal security operations across the nation as part of the commitment of government to live up to its foremost constitutional responsibility of ensuring the wellbeing, safety and security of the citizens.

“In the process of understanding this onerous task, the military has been contending with cases of human rights abuses, some of which have attracted the attention and condemnation of Amnesty International.

“While the military high command has repeatedly assured the citizens of its commitment to the observance of human rights as amply embedded in the rules of engagement, there are behaviours and actions of some operatives that are negating this noble quest.

“The military personnel whom the nation has entrusted with the responsibility of protecting lives and property of citizens are turning round to constitute a threat to the people.”

Rep. Betty Apiafi (Rivers-PDP), suggested that ‘’we should use more of the police to solve internal problems. "

`There are so many military operations going on, it is important that executive is cautioned.

The assembly mandated its committees on Human Rights, Defence and Army to investigate the matter and report back within three weeks for further legislative action.

The motion was unanimously adopted by members when it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara. (NAN)