The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has ordered a thorough investigation into the tragic death of a hotel manager in Abia State, Achimugu Etubi, allegedly caused by the brutal torture inflicted by some Nigerian Army personnel. This incident occurred following the reported drowning of a Nigerian Air Force cadet, Emmanuel Onyemereche, in the hotel’s swimming pool.
In response to the serious allegations against its personnel, the Nigerian Army, through Director of Army Public Relations Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, expressed deep concern and announced the Chief of Army Staff’s directive to investigate the circumstances surrounding Etubi’s untimely demise.
The statement issued by Maj. Gen. Nwachukwu emphasized the Army’s commitment to uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability. It read, “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.”
While extending condolences to the families of both the deceased hotel manager, Achimugu Etubi, and the Nigerian Air Force Officer Cadet Emmanuel Onyemereche, Maj. Gen. Nwachukwu assured the public that justice would be served. He reiterated the Army’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and discipline, affirming that any personnel found guilty of wrongdoing would face appropriate legal consequences.
Furthermore, the Nigerian Army emphasized its unwavering dedication to transparency and accountability throughout the investigation process, promising to keep the public informed about the progress of the inquiry.
