The Chief of Defense Staff, CDS, General Lucky Irabor, has faulted the
procedure adopted in the release of a document said to be the report of the
Lagos Judicial Panel of Inquiry on police brutality.
The leaked report had indicted officers of the Nigerian Army for killing
unarmed helpless and defenseless protesters, without provocation or
justification, while they were waving the Nigerian Flag and singing the
National Anthem at the Lekki Toll Gate on October 20, 2020.
The CDS however explained that he could not comment on the content of
the document at the moment, because he has not seen the official report.
General Irabor, who spoke after a courtesy visit to the Edo State Governor
in Benin-City, maintained that the Nigerian armed forces are committed to
their constitutional mandate and do not engage in ignoble acts.
He called on Nigerians not to make disparaging remarks at this point
regarding the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in the sense that they are a
professional armed force, adding that if there are issues, it will be
addressed within the ambit of the provisions.
He further stated that the Armed Forces are there to keep the peace, to
provide the ambiance that will enable each Nigerian to live his or her
desires in peace and harmony, urging citizens not to make inciting
comments that will put the entire space on fire.
Chidozie Chima | September 20, 2024
