Igbo Youths Movement (IYM) has enjoined the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to probe the soldiers who arrested 76 farmers in Ugwuleshi community in Awgu Local Council of Enugu State over plans to protest the menace of Fulani herdsmen in the community.
In a statement, the group’s founder, Evangelist Elliot Uko, wondered why the men had to be arrested by soldiers from Abia State and not the police.
IYM expressed worry over such situation, stressing that if such development is not properly addressed, it would set a very bad precedent in Nigeria.
The statement reads: “The army should not be easily drawn into policing, especially when emotions are high over the notorious impunity of the Fulani herdsmen. The decision to use soldiers instead of the police, was a wrong choice.
“Did the governors of both Abia and Enugu, specifically ask for soldiers to cart away the farmers? Who gave the order authorizing the military to wade in? Why did the military deny that they were involved at the onset?
“Nobody believes the funny narrative of fake soldiers in military uniform and military trucks; we think someone is trying to cover up the obvious use of the Army to settle ethnic scores.
"We demand a thorough investigation to the use of the Army to round up and cart away all the able bodied young men in Ugwuleshi village, over incessant attacks from Fulani herdsmen.
“Only a thorough probe of the incident and punishment meted out to whoever ordered soldiers to invade the community, would assuage the feeling of unjust intimidation and persecution, pervading Ugwuleshi and environs at the moment.”