The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army on Wednesday said it had set up a board of inquiry and detained six soldiers over the brutalisation of a woman on March 12 in Odoguyan, Ikorodu, Lagos.
A statement on Thursday by army spokesman, Lt.-Col. Olaolu Daudu, said: “The attention of Headquarters 81 Division, Nigerian Army, has been drawn to the social media and Newspaper online reports on alleged brutalisation of a female by soldiers.
“The incident occurred in Odoguyan, Ikorodu area of Lagos state involving soldiers of 174 Battalion on Sunday, March 12.
“The alleged incident is highly regrettable, even as the division under the Nigerian Army has zero tolerance for inhumane treatment.
“Discipline remains the bedrock of the Nigerian Military Profession.
“It is quite disheartening when such incidences occur even though such incidences will not be treated with any laxity.
“Consequently, a Board of Inquiry has been constituted by the Commander 9 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Elias Attu.
“This is to investigate the circumstances that led to the incident, determine the level of the soldiers’ involvement, submit its findings and recommend appropriate disciplinary measures which will be communicated.
“The brutalised lady, name withheld, has been taken to hospital where she is responding to treatment.
“The six soldiers, also names withheld, are being detained in regards to the incident.
“The Division remains committed to its tasks as part of the constitutional mandate of the Nigerian Army.
“The Division continues to enjoin all to be law abiding and count on their support and cooperation.”
Several news platforms have identified the victim as Ruth Orji.
She was reported to have been brutalised for challenging a soldier who allegedly slapped her brother.
The Joint Legal Action Aids (JLAA) has already sued the military authorities for N250m in damages on her behalf.
