Residents of Sabon Birnin in Igabi LGA, Kaduna, have accused Nigerian Army personnel of killing three traders and over 100 cows at a local cattle market on August 18.
The incident allegedly occurred when soldiers opened fire on the animals. A video on Facebook showed dead animals and three bodies at the market.
The Nigerian Army has promised to thoroughly investigate the allegation, sanctioning any personnel found culpable.
In a statement, army spokesperson Onyema Nwachukwu sympathized with the community and families of the deceased.
The army stated: “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a disturbing news report with gory pictures/video footages published in some mainstream and social media platforms alleging that troops of 1 division annihilated 3 persons and some cattle during a recent operation at Sabon Birni in Igabi local government area of Kaduna state,” the statement reads.
“While the Nigerian Army wishes to sympathize with the Sabon Birni community and families of the affected persons, we also wish to state that the allegation will be thoroughly investigated, and any personnel found culpable will be appropriately sanctioned.
“It is also necessary to add that the NA, which is constitutionally mandated to protect the lives and property of the citizenry, cannot tolerate doing otherwise.
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The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, has directed a thorough investigation to establish the causes of the incident and identify those responsible. The army appeals for calm and promises to make the investigation’s outcome public.
