Group kicks as Obiano gets soldiers to restore sanity in Anambra

A group, Intersociety, has opposed deployment of soldiers in the old Eastern Nigeria, comprising Anambra, Delta, Rivers, Enugu, Imo, Abia and Ebonyi states.

Its board of trustees chairman, Emeka Umeagbalasi, in a statement yesterday, said the call became necessary to check abuse of human rights, including sexual harassment, unlawful arrest, torture, extrajudicial killing and extortion.

The appeal came on the heels of Governor Willie Obiano’s recent hosting of a reinforcement team from the Nigerian Army to restore peace in Anambra State.

Addressed as ‘Nigerian Army Women Corps Special Forces’, the unit was deployed to fish out hoodlums that had invaded the state.

Addressing the team at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, Obiano had implored them to exhibit professionalism in the course of their work and stay.

He had also tasked the military personnel on harmonious relationship with the police, navy and other security agencies.

Obiano submitted: “They are here to help the state overcome its challenges in the aftermath of the EndSARS protests.

“Anambra has zero tolerance for kidnapping, robbery and other crimes.”

He said the team was to undertake stop and search, night patrols and other measures to curb criminality in the state.

The governor promised adequate logistics to enable the soldiers achieve their mission.