A viral video circulating on social media has captured a senior army officer, identified as a Major General, and two soldiers assaulting a man in Abuja for allegedly overtaking their vehicle.
The footage, lasting one minute and 57 seconds, shows the man groaning in pain and repeatedly saying, “How did I pass your car! Oh my God!” while being beaten.
Despite his cries, the soldiers intensified the assault.
A woman, believed to be his passenger, is heard pleading, “He is not feeling fine! Jesus, Jesus!” but her protests were ignored.
The soldiers also turned on the woman, demanding her phone to stop her from recording. “Give me the phone! Give me the phone!” one of the soldiers shouted as they attacked her.
The video has sparked widespread outrage online, with reports indicating that the man intends to sue the Major General for N150 million in damages and demands his dismissal.
Reacting to the incident, the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered an investigation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army noted that the circumstances surrounding the altercation remain unclear but assured the public of a thorough inquiry.
“The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a viral video showing a senior Army officer and two soldiers in an altercation with a man and woman within the Abuja metropolis. The Acting Chief of Army Staff has directed an immediate investigation to uncover the facts. The Nigerian Army remains committed to serving and protecting all law-abiding Nigerians,” the statement read.
The Army urged the public to remain calm, promising a diligent resolution of the matter.
