The Nigerian Army says it has ordered an immediate investigation into the death of Kogi-born manager of a hotel, Mr Achimugu James Etubi, in Umuahia, the capital of Abia state, who was reportedly tortured to death by some military personnel following the drowning of a cadet in the facility’s swimming pool.
Director army public relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, who made this known in a statement on Sunday, said already the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the facts and bring to book, anyone found culpable.
He said the Army headquarters has ordered the arrest and investigation of the officers involved in torturing of the manager of Damgrete Hotel, to death.
In the statement, Nwachukwu sympathized with the families of Mr Achimugu James Etubi and the Nigerian Air Force Officer Cadet, Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyemereche and assured the public that every effort will be made to ensure that justice is served.
“The Nigerian Army (NA) is deeply concerned by the alleged unprofessional conduct of some of its personnel in the tragic death of a hotel manager in Umuahia, Abia State, as reported in some online media.
“In response to this unfortunate incident, the Chief of Army Staff has promptly ordered a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the facts and bring to book, anyone found culpable.
“The Nigerian Army extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased Manager Mr Achimugu James Etubi and the Nigerian Air Force Officer Cadet Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyemereche and assure the public that every effort will be made to ensure that justice is served.
“The Army is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and discipline, and therefore any personnel found culpable of wrongdoing will face appropriate legal sanctions,” the statement read.
The Army, in the statement, stressed that it will continue to safeguard the security of all citizens and is committed to remaining steadfast in its mission to promote lasting peace and security throughout Nigeria.
