In as much as nobody wants innocent children and women to be
incarcerated for crime they know nothing about, the way in which the Burhari
led government is releasing even those the public identifies as masterminds behind
various terrorist acts is so alarming.
Former President Goodluck in a bid to end Islamic
insurgency, made a lot of arrest of people who were caught in the act aiding
and abetting terrorism. Which the Army then also confirmed with some evidences
at the time of their arrests.
But it is so amazing that ever since President Buhari came
into power there has been little or no arrest of any of these terrorists,
rather, Buhari’s regime has been releasing all members of the Boko Haram
terrorists who were in detention. Even those who committed murder in certain northern
states have been tactically set free by the law court which is expected to
protect innocent citizens. Recent one was the purported killers of a Christian
lady in northern Nigeria.
As if that was not enough, the military have claimed that so
far, about 1271 detainees have been set free after clearing them of any link
with the Boko Haram terrorists group. So one wonders how most of the evidences
they displayed when these people were arrested came about.
Information regarding the release of the suspected Boko
Haram members was made known by Brig.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu, the General Officer
Commanding (GOC) 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maiduguri, during a forum organised
for the reintegration of children related with armed group in Maiduguri
“The Nigerian Army gives utmost priority to the rights of
detainees especially women and children.
“We always try to fast track investigation to determine
their fate, while those found innocent were released with out delay,” he said.
Ezugwu added:” Consequently, between February and October
this year we have had five releases.
“In February 135 persons comprising mainly women and
children were released, 204 were released in May, while the remaining three
releases were carried out in September and October”.
He said that the army had also improved on the provision of
welfare for the detainees.
“As part of the military high command care for the
vulnerable persons under our protective custody.
“We have identified areas needing attention including
feeding, health care, decongestion of cells, respect for detainees rights,
sanitation and personal hygiene, ” Ezugwu said.
He said children and vulnerable persons were fed three times
daily with balanced diet.
“We always provide meat or fish in every meal and drinks
every Sunday for them.
“If fact, some of those released would have preferred to
remain with us if they had the choice rather than move to IDPs camps,” he said.
Ezugwu commended the organisers of the forum, saying the
event was timely.
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