Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, has demanded the dismissal of two soldiers who brutalised a physically-challenged man, Mr. Chijioke Oraku, in Onitsha, Anambra State.
Oraku, a native of Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, was dehumanised by the two soldiers penultimate week for wearing army camouflage.
The video of the beating went viral thereby attracting national outrage that made the army authorities to demote the soldiers and sentence them to 21 days in detention.
Umahi, who received Oraku during the states executive council meeting in Abakaliki yesterday, noted that the sanctions meted to the soldiers were mild going by the fact that they “did not behave like human beings.”
The governor, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Emma Anya, said: “We believe that 21 day imprisonment is not enough. The soldiers did not behave like human beings and to be demoted is not enough.
“I suggest to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Yusuf Buratai, that those soldiers be sacked from the army and be prosecuted immediately.”
Umahi, who however thanked Burutai for taking the actions against the soldiers, directed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Benard Odoh, to write a letter demanding the dismissal and prosecution of the soldiers.
He was also full of praises for his Anambra State counterpart, Willie Obiano, for his quick intervention in the matter.
Umahi, however, asked his Senior Special Adviser and Welfare Matters, Rev. Father Abraham Nwali, to interact with Oruka on ways the state government could properly rehabilitate him.
He also ordered the release of N500,000 to the brutalised man for the continuation of his treatment and temporary upkeep.
