By Damilare Adeleye
The acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered investigation into a viral a disturbing video of military personnel assaulting civilian couple in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
It was learnt that the incident involved one Major General G.S. Mohammed and his aide, Corporal A. Abubakar, who were captured on video assaulting a couple identified as Mr Vershima Mker and Ms Lami Jennifer Iorvihi.
A viral video captured the senior military officer and his aide physically attacking the couple following an encounter on a road in the FCT.
It was reported that the incident occurred after Mr Mker overtook Major General Mohammed’s vehicle.
However, the military officer stopped the couple, dragged them out of their car, and subjected them to severe physical abuse.
According to the couple, after the assault, Major General Mohammed and his aide handcuffed them, shoved them into the trunk of a vehicle, and transported them to Gwarimpa Police Station.
The couple alleged that the General ordered the police to detain them indefinitely until he gave instructions for their release.
Speaking on Tuesday, Nigerian Army spokesperson, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the Army authorities were aware of the viral video showing the assault.
“The Chief of Army Staff has directed investigation into the matter. But we have not been able to ascertain the veracity of the video now because we were not privileged or privy to the incident that led to the altercation.
“So I can’t make further comments other than the fact that the Chief of Army Staff has directed that it should be investigated. You know, you can have a video of where there was an exchange, but we don’t know what led to the exchange.”
“So maybe when the army hears from the major general, then we will know what actually transpired. So right now, the Chief of Army Staff has directed that we should investigate it. So we want to ascertain the veracity of that incident,” Nwachukwu added.