A SENIOR Nigerian Army officer, Captain Etim Essien, has been accused of sexually assaulting a minor in Taraba State, with the Army commencing an investigation into the allegation.
News Point Nigeria gathered that the 13-year-old victim, who is reportedly deaf and non-speaking, was allegedly subjected to repeated sexual abuse while in the care of the officer and his family,.
The Taraba State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in the state, which are investigating the matter, reportedly asked the Nigerian Army to take appropriate administrative and disciplinary proceedings against the officer.
In a statement issued on Friday, Olumide Olukoya, Acting Deputy Director of 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, confirmed that the military had commenced an investigation to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the allegation.
“The Nigerian Army takes all allegations of sexual abuse, particularly those involving minors and other vulnerable persons, with utmost seriousness. Accordingly, appropriate steps have been initiated to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the reported incident,” the statement reads.
“As the allegation is currently under process of investigation, it would be inappropriate to make definitive comments on the culpability or otherwise of any individual at this stage. The Nigerian Army remains committed to due process, fairness and the protection of the rights and dignity of all parties involved.
“The Nigerian Army is also aware that the relevant civil authorities are looking into the matter and will cooperate fully with them to ensure that the allegation is thoroughly and transparently investigated in accordance with extant laws and regulations. The Nigerian Army places a high premium on discipline, professionalism and respect for human dignity.
“Members of the public are therefore urged to refrain from speculation, the dissemination of unverified information or any action capable of prejudicing the ongoing investigation or compromising the privacy and wellbeing of the persons involved, particularly any minor.”
Olukoya said that following the investigation, any personnel found to have violated the law or established service regulations would face appropriate disciplinary action.
He added that the Army would continue to cooperate with the relevant civil authorities to ensure that the matter was thoroughly and transparently investigated in accordance with extant laws and regulations.
