As the Nigerian military continued to wage war against the Boko Haram insurgents, an ex soldier, Gani Ibrahim who fled the country in the wake of the bloody communal clashes in Jos, Plateau State, is resisting pressure to come back to Nigeria.
Ibrahim, who was a trooper in the Army, with service number 79 NA 31688 said he fled Nigeria in 2003 when some of his relations and family members were killed in Jos and their property burnt during the clashes.
In an e-mail correspondence with our correspondent, Ibrahim expressed fears that with the ongoing insurgent attacks in the northern parts of the country, it would be suicidal for him to return home.
The ex-soldier who is currently sojourning in Germany, said he served with the 3rd Army Division of the Nigerian Army in Jos, and that he was waylaid on his way from his duty post by heavily armed persons who chased after him with intent to kill.
“I have not been able to get the trauma of that horrible experience off my mind because a number of my relations and family members got killed by the armed men.
“I am told that the crisis has since assumed the dimension of insurgency with soldiers and other security people becoming the targets of the insurgents on a daily basis”, Ibrahim stated.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah had, during the 3rd Chief of Army Staff Conference, stated that the Army has continued to record cases of desertion as a result of incessant insurgent attacks.
Gen. Minimah stated that there was nothing the Army authorities could do about the trend, saying that desertion in the military occurs everywhere.
“Some people join the Army because they want to serve their country while other join as a means of getting employment. Those who joined the Army as a means of employment usually drop their weapons and run away when they face the threats associated with the military profession”, Gen. Minimah said.
lazy soldier
ReplyDeleteLazy indeed but I remember that more often than not, their family will be left suffering after the death of their bread winner.
ReplyDeleteThere nothing like lazy indeed, even our Govt.did nt make good and beariabl provision for military personels, see many family who lost their dear one during active service even those who went on active serivce and later got retaired, did govt care for them. Go and see how many of them are surferring. Our Govt. Should look into dt to encourge them.
ReplyDeleteMy people, we must pray Almighty Allah gives us responsible leadership instead corrupted leaders we have today.
ReplyDeleteSerious government will use its to a single soldier while corruption is the game of the day in Nigeria. One of the Military big boss came out saying death penalty is for deserted soldier. It is a pity those in charge of our Army welfare pocket wellfare money and that military equipment without punishment.
God de o!