Civilian/Army Clash: Senior Military Officers Cry Before Niger Commission Of Inquiry

The Commander 31 Artillery Brigade, Minna, Brigadier-Gen. Olanrewaju Jimoh has told the commission of Inquiry into the military/civilian clash in Kpadna, Bosso local government area of Niger State that the state government was fully aware of the military expedition that claimed the lives of 12 soldiers and 11 civilians in August this year.l
Gen. Jimoh and Lt Col John Chukwuemeka Obanefo the commanding Officer who was in tears as he recalled the gruesome murder of his officers and men by the villagers, said the expedition was sequel to outcome of security meetings held at Government House, Minna.
Both officers appeared before Justice Mohammed Mohammed Commission of Inquiry in to the clash between the military and community in Bosso local government of Niger state.
They said that the military carried out the operation based on credible intelligence gathered by the security agency.
General Jimoh after identifying the MEMO presented as exhibit one admitted as evidence said that the operation was as a result of three different security meetings.
He urged the Commission to allow him to show enclosures attached to the MEMO on power point for the benefit of the general public which was granted.
Jimoh told the Commission that those with phobia for blood and death should leave the hall because the pictures were horrible, the general at that point could not control his tears as the pictures began to appear simultaneously on the power point before the Commission.
He further lamented over the still missing two AK 47 rifles, magazine and 198 rounds of ammunitions, mega phones, two cameras and a radio communication set removed from their vehicle in the custody of the gun runners and arms bandits whom he said were responsible for robbing innocent people along Bida, Suleja and Kontagora roads.
The Commander lambasted those making unguided statements about the military, saying they should desist from such, insisting that the particular operation was by their directive and in order.
During cross-examination the Commission’s counsel read a contrary MEMO from the Police saying that the operation was not a joint operation as claimed by the military, as the villagers called to say that they were attacked by robbers in military uniform
“Not in all cases is a joint security operation a joint one and it is unfortunate that this is coming from the Police,” Gen. Jimoh stated.
Also Lt Col. John Chukwuemeka Obanefor chief witness two and Commanding Officer 313 Artillery battalion was also in tears while narrating how they set up for the operation under his directive.
The Chairman of the Commission, Justice Mohammed Mohammed warned the counsel not to allow unnecessary adjournment and cross examination while he would be liberal and fair to all.