By Damilare Adeleye
Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, has ordered a thorough investigation into the treatment of civilian workers at the Command Secondary School in Iyana Ipaja, Lagos State.
This is coming after the Ministry of Defence’s civilian staff, under the Joint Executive Council closed the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday in a response to allegations of soldiers brutalising civilians.
It was learnt that an assistant director from the ministry, working at Command Secondary School in Ojo, Lagos, was brutalised on Monday by some soldiers, disregarding civil service rules.
The army chief, Lagbaja directed the Provost Marshal (Army) to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations of soldiers brutalising civilians.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed that the investigation would comprehensively address all allegations raised with a focus on ensuring accountability and justice for all parties involved.
The statement read: “The Nigerian Army (NA) recognizes the vital role that civilian staff play in supporting its operations and day to day administration and is therefore dedicated to fostering a positive and respectful working environment for all personnel. While acknowledging that misunderstandings or miscommunication may occur, the ongoing investigation aims to provide clarity and implement necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.”
According to him, “Currently, the NA is actively engaging with the Ministry of Defence and the ASCSN to address any outstanding issues and promote a cordial working relationship and industrial harmony. The NA strongly believes that open communication and collaboration are key to resolving challenges, and is fully committed to maintaining these principles.
“As the investigation progresses, the NA urges all parties to refrain from making premature judgments or spreading misinformation. Trust in the process is essential, and the NA is confident that the investigation will provide a clear and accurate understanding of the situation to facilitate appropriate and fair actions.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding of all stakeholders, as we diligently work to address these concerns,” he said.
