Army urges Delta civilians to comply with security checks

• Defend personnel on self defence against mob attack resulting in civilian death

Ben Dunno, Warri

The headquarters of the 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Asaba, has enjoined residents of Delta State, especially those visiting secured locations, to comply with security protocols by its personnel who have been deployed to carry out strict security checks in those areas.

While stating that although its personnel have been well trained as part of their rules of engagement on how to deal with civil populace in carrying out their duties, it noted that the civilians also owe it a duty to be law abiding and subject themselves to checks in line with subsisting standard operating procedures at such locations.

The Brigade was speaking against the backdrop of an ugly incident between a soldier and a youth that occurred on October 13, at the Delta Marine Logistics and Technical (DMLT) Estate in Warri, Delta State, that led to a bloody confrontation which later resulted in the death of one of the invading youths who claimed they were in the Estate to visit a friend.

Reacting to the incident in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri yesterday, Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations 63 Brigade, Asaba, explained that the soldier on duty acted in self defence by stabbing one of the invaders when it became obvious that the youths around had wanted to carry out a mob attack on him at a point during their scuffle.

It was gathered that the incident occurred when the soldier, who was on duty at the DMLT Estate gate, halted a group of individuals who attempted to force their entry into the premises without subjecting themselves to checks.

When the soldier questioned the group’s intention and sought to ascertain their identities, the said individuals became aggressive and unruly.

It was further learnt that at a point the youths became violent when asked who they were looking for and why they were trying to enter without clearance.

The altercation later escalated into a physical struggle wherein the soldier, who acted in self defence, used armed combat skills and injured one of the unruly individuals.

The deceased was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The case was later reported at the Otu-Jeremi Police Division in Udu Local Government for further investigations.

“The Brigade wishes to reiterate to the good people of Delta State the need to remain law abiding, and subject themselves to checks in line with subsisting standard operating procedures.

“Additionally, it is important to unequivocally state that respect for the fundamental human rights of the citizenry has always been prioritised, while discharging statutory responsibilities in Delta State,” the statement concluded.