The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the facts and bring to justice anyone found culpable in the alleged killing of a hotel manager, Mr Achimugu James Etubi, in Umuahia, Abia State.
Director of Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
The Herald had reported that Kogi State-born Etubi was reportedly tortured to death on Friday, April 12, by some Army personnel after a Nigerian Air Force cadet identified simply as CDT Chidiebere drowned in the swimming pool of Hotel Royal Damgrete, Umuahia, Abia State.
The NAF cadet was said to have drowned in the hotel’s swimming pool on Tuesday, April 9.
The Army personnel led by one Major Inuwa reportedly stormed the hotel on Friday in the guise of investigating the cadet’s death and tortured four hotel staff. Etubi, who was the head of the food and beverage department of the hotel, was one of the four.
In Sunday’s statement, the Army spokesman said the Nigerian Army “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.”
Nwachukwu said the Army extended 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 would 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.
“Furthermore, the NA reaffirms its unwavering dedication to safeguarding the security of all citizens. We remain steadfast in our mission to promote lasting peace and security throughout Nigeria.
“The Nigerian Army is resolute in its pursuit of truth and justice, and we will keep the public informed at the conclusion of the investigation,” Nwachukwu added.