Brutalised Onitsha Cripple Says, I’m ‘Army Commander’ at Egerton – Army May Dismiss Two Soldiers Involved

The physically challenged man who was brutalised by two military police officers in Onitsha earlier in the week, Chijioke Raphael Uraku says, he is a commander in Egerton command at the new market road, Onitsha.

The cripple, popularly called CJ who spoke at the 302 regiment in Onitsha, where the commander, Col Idongesit Akpan showed concern to him over the beating he received from his men said he commands at Egerton, a popular street around new market road in Onitsha where he is equally very popular.

The Ikwo, Ebonyi State born indigene who is said to be formally involved in recharge card business called on the army officers to decorate him with full military gear too.

Uraku, had since after the beating on Tuesday refused to remove the camouflage that caused him trouble, insisting he was also a commander of the Onitsha street.

He was however awarded the title “colonel” and commander of the Egerton command, new market after a comic display that left the senior mitary men reeling in laughter.

Oraku had earlier rejected the new cloths bought for him by the command, but was later persuaded by the state commissioner for women’s affair and social welfare, Dr Victoria Chikwelu, who represented Governor Willie Obiano at the presentation.

Chikwelu, commended the Army for it’s concern, though condemned the action of the perpetrators, adding that the Governor was waiting to see and speak with the victim.

THISDAY gathered that Uraku who usually rides in a wheel chair always patrols the area, declaring himself as a commander. He was also said to be a sociable and comic character around the area.

Meanwhile, there are indications that the Nigeria Army (NA) may sack the two military men who assaulted the physically challenged person in Onitsha, Anambra State on Tuesday.

Already, the two men had been tried by the 302 command in Onitsha and equally referred to the higher authorities for disciplinary actions.

Briefing reporters yesterday at the 302 command Onitsha, the Deputy Director, Information, 82 division of the Nigeria Army, Col Musa Sagir alongside Col Akpan, said the army regretted the actions of the perpetrators.

According to him, “the leadership of the army under Chief of Defence staff, Lieutenant- Gen Tukur Buratai frowns at the action of those soldiers and does not encourage it and we are also ready to sanction any person whenever it occurs”

“They have been tried by the commanding officer of 302 regiment and they have been equally referred to the higher authority.

“We are concerned about what happened, and we are appealing to the public and international community that the men have violated the core value of the army for the respect for one another.

“The Army is a disciplined and morally sound organization and does not condone gross professional misconduct and indiscipline,” Sagir said.

He said the attitude of those military police posted to the 302 regiment in Onitsha does not reflect the real attitude of the present force under the leadership of Buratai despite different backgrounds.

He said the army had planned to take the victim to the hospital for proper treatment which according to him, he rejected claiming that he took exception to western medication.