The Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, On Friday called on the presidency, army high command and police headquarters to immediately stop soldiers from threatening to rape women in Warri, Delta State.
In the video, some soldiers deployed to enforce the stay-at-home order by the Delta State government over the Coronavirus outbreak had threatened to rape and infect women with HIV. They issued the threat while reacting to the killing of a soldier by a mob in Warri.
Reacting, CUPP warned that such action would put a dent on the image of the Nigerian army if they are allowed to carry out their threats.
The opposition party stated this in a statement signed and sent to DAILY POST by its spokesperson, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere.
According to CUPP: “The attention of the Opposition Coalition (CUPP) has been drawn to a viral video of persons dressed as soldiers who were seen purportedly threatening to rape women in Warri Delta State and infect them with HIV.
“As disturbing as the video is, and in recognition that the alleged threats were made in expression of anger against the alleged killing of a soldier by a mob in Warri, the CUPP calls on the Army High Command, the Police Headquarters and indeed the Presidency to immediately swing
into action and ensure the threatened reprisals are averted.
“This will be a dent on the integrity of the Nigerian Army if these threats are allowed to be executed. The Army should take the moral high ground in this instance.”
Cautioning the soldiers against retaliation, CUPP called for thorough investigation into the death of the soldier.
“It is not a show of weakness or acceptance that anybody could just kill a soldier anyhow but there is every need to allow for a thorough investigation to unravel the facts about the deaths that occurred in Warri, of the citizen and the soldier. Afterwards every person who had a hand in the killings will be directly held responsible for their crimes.
“Nigeria cannot accommodate another possible show of shame by an institution such as the Nigeria Army. These are trying times and everyone must be calm,” the statement added.
