SaharaReporters had exclusively reported how some soldiers brutally killed the hotel manager.
The Nigerian Army Headquarters on Sunday condemned the alleged conduct of some of its personnel involved in the killing of one of the section managers of Hotel Royal Damgrete, Umuahia, Abia State.
SaharaReporters had exclusively reported how some soldiers brutally killed the hotel manager.
The hotel was where a Nigerian Air Force cadet reportedly drowned in a swimming pool.
The manager identified as Mr Achimugu James Etubi from Kogi State was the head of the food and beverage department of the hotel located on Factory Road.
He was reportedly tortured to death by the soldiers on Friday morning at the military barracks.
SaharaReporters earlier reported on Friday that the Abia State Police Command confirmed the death of the NAF cadet officer.
The NAF Tarmac Four cadet, simply identified as CDT Chidiebere, reportedly died on Tuesday in the swimming pool.
Following the incident, the Nigerian Army led by one Major Inuwa who was reportedly investigating the unfortunate incident ordered soldiers including one of the Cadet officers who came with the late Chidiebere to the hotel swimming pool to beat four hotel staff members who were invited for interrogation to stupor.
In the process, Etubi died, a reliable source who witnessed the incident had told SaharaReporters.
According to the source who spoke on condition of anonymity, the situation that led to his tragedy started a few days ago when a cadet officer from the Nigerian Air Force Tarmac Four came into the Hotel Royal Damgrete Umuahia to swim and have fun with his friends and drowned while swimming.
“In the process of investigating the death of the cadet officer, four persons were taken by the Nigeria Police Force for investigations, Mr. James Etubi inclusive. They were detained for a night and were released on bail. But a few days later, the military officers led by one Maj. Inuwa particularly, was said to have invited four persons including Mr James Etubi for further investigations, and threatened the owner of the hotel Mr. Steve Ihendigbo, to release the workers to the army or have his hotel damaged,” the source had said.
"The owner of the hotel now went against the police's instructions to release them to the military just to save his hotel from attack.”
The source also said, "When Mr. Steve was contacted after the killing of the manager, he was scared to give full details for fear of the Nigerian military.
"The family, wife, and kids of the deceased are calling on Nigerians and relevant agencies to join voice and forces for justice in this inhuman treatment that led to the loss of life of Mr. Etubi."
In a statement on Sunday, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations commiserated with the family of the deceased manager, adding that “the Chief of Army Staff has promptly ordered a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the facts and bring to book, anyone found culpable.”
The statement read, “The NA extends 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 will 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.”