By Kingsley Omonobi

The Nigerian Army has strongly condemned the brutal treatment of innocent citizens, including a retired ex-corporal, Toriola Adewale, by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Biafran Liberation Army.

The Army has called on international organizations, such as Amnesty International and the International Criminal Court, to hold Simon Ekpa and other IPOB leaders accountable for these heinous crimes.

In a statement by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, the Army described the acts of terror as “villainous” and “dehumanizing.” The statement reads:

“A disturbing video circulating online shows an ex-soldier, Corporal Toriola Adewale, being subjected to brutal torture by IPOB/Biafra Liberation Army. He was forced to deliver coerced messages to active military personnel, urging them to abandon their duties.

“The claim by IPOB that ex-corporal Toriola is still serving in the Nigerian Army is false. This propaganda is an attempt to justify their mistreatment of an unarmed, law-abiding citizen who served his country meritoriously.

“The Nigerian Army urges all Nigerians to disregard this malicious video and stand united against IPOB’s terrorism. We call on international organizations to take immediate action and hold Simon Ekpa and other IPOB leaders accountable for these crimes.

“The Nigerian Army will remain steadfast in protecting all Nigerians, including its retired and active personnel, from terror. Justice will soon catch up with Simon Ekpa and his accomplices. They can run, but they cannot hide forever.”