Nigerian Army to probe alleged involvement of soldiers in hotel manager’s death

The Nigerian Army has assured of an investigation into the alleged unprofessional conduct of some of its personnel in the tragic death of a hotel manager in Umuahia, Abia.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, gave the assurance in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Nwachukwu said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, had promptly ordered a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the facts and bring to book, anyone found culpable.

He also conveyed the condolences of the Nigerian army to families of the deceased manager, Mr Achimugu James Etubi and the Nigerian Air Force Officer Cadet, Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyemereche.

Nwachukwu assured the public that every effort would be made to ensure that justice was 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 Nigerian army reaffirms its unwavering dedication to safeguarding the security of all citizens,” he said.

It was alleged that some personnel of the Nigerian army had brutally killed one of the section managers of Hotel Royal Damgrete, Umuahia, where a Nigerian Air Force cadet reportedly drowned in the swimming pool.

The report said the deceased manager was reportedly tortured to death by the soldiers on Friday morning at the military barracks.

It alleged that an army Major who was reportedly investigating the unfortunate incident ordered soldiers including one of the Cadet officers to beat four hotel staff that were invited for interrogation to stupor.