The Justice Abdu Aboki special independent investigative panel on human rights violations on counter-insurgency operations yesterday investigated Brig. Gen Beyidi Martins, the Commander, 28 Taskforce Brigade with headquarters in Chibok over alleged secret, systematic and illegal abortion of 10,000 pregnancies by the military in the fight against insurgency in Adamawa State.
Gen. Martins whose area of operation includes Askira, Chibok, Madagali and Michika said the Army is too professional to be tagged with human rights violation as the law of armed forces guides any operation and conduct by the military in the fight.
He said; “It is impracticable for the Army to take a position that does not belong to itself. Initially, I was not worried about the reports, until when it was getting international dimensions.
“The Army I have been throughout my life, would not be involved in the act considering its professionalism.”
Mr Henry Ogbonna, the secretary of SIIP, said the NHRC during its two day stakeholder’s engagement would solicit the support of the stakeholders in the panel’s assignment and investigate allegations of gross human rights violation by the Nigerian Military, receipt of memorandum from interested members of the public, identification of individuals with the culpability for the alleged violations and determine remedial steps.
Also investigated by the panel was the Commander 23 Armoured Brigade, Yola, Brig-Gen Mohammed Jibril Gambo.
