If we were to describe the relationship between the military and civilians in Nigeria, we might reach a dead-end from the start. The average Nigerian lives in fear of military men, and the average military personnel is ready to use his power and authority to embarrass, humiliate and even inflict harm on civilians. We have seen certain instances where Nigerians take to social media to recant gory experiences at the hands of military men. Stories like these always bring up the age-long conversation of how army personnel often abuse their powers at the expense of harmless civilians and get away with it.
In a social media thread, a Twitter user, Ada-Oma, has shared her experience with a military officer, and her story has created a large outcry with people seeking justice for her. In her story, Ada recounted how a simple question resulted in her being physically abused by the officer who was identified as Omoh F.
Threatened me. so my Life is your hands Nigerians.
I was on the ATM queue and this @NigerianArmy official asked me to move so he can pass, i asked him if he was on the queue that there is a queue, he asked me to move,i moved and continued asking him if he was on the queue,he— ADA-OMA??? (@vels20) October 26, 2020
Only asked if he was on the queue and he got angry and furious and violent.
He threatened to make me bleed blood, in my own country because i asked if he was on the queue.I want justice. @jidesanwoolu @Mr_JAGss @NigerianPolice @ProfOsinbajo— ADA-OMA??? (@vels20) October 26, 2020
— ADA-OMA??? (@vels20) October 26, 2020
Like Ada-Oma, many Nigerians have had a similar experience at the hands of military officers. With the military personnel, it’s usually a case of ‘do you know who you are talking to?’. They have, since, placed themselves in positions that deter the average Nigerian from approaching them and interacting with them. While their roles are quite sensitive, it is imperative to stress that their roles are to protect civilians and not put them in a state of fear and resentment for their position.
Like the police, the military has played on this fear for long. And while Nigerians have started to actively change the narrative with demands for reform in the police system, the same must be considered for other security operatives.
It makes no absolute sense for citizens to live in fear of security operatives who were sworn in to protect them – except you are a criminal. The #EndSARS protest has created a momentum enough for change, yet the Nigerian government needs to channel the change to other security forces in the country. And the military sounds like a good place to start with Omoh F set as an example.
Here are a few reactions:
Dear @HQNigerianArmy, your soldier Corporal Omoh F. has beaten up a female citizen at a @UBAGroup branch in Oshodi Lagos. You need to investigate and make an example of him. Millions of people are waiting and watching to see how you will handle this.
— Dr. Dípò Awójídé (@OgbeniDipo) October 26, 2020
We battled police brutality and now army cruelty is fast becoming a thing. Army authorities should immediately bring Omoh F. to book. Uncultured individuals have no place in any security organisation.
— Tope Akinyode (@TopeAkinyode) October 26, 2020
@HQNigerianArmy lance corporal Omoh F just assaulted a female Nigerian citizen which is against the ethics of the Nigerian Military,do the needful, accountability is important so Is discipline . @DefenceInfoNG
— DAD @ 24 ? (@KingjamesKowaki) October 26, 2020
Nigerian army will soon tag this as fake news, his name is OMOH F. by the way, hope everyone got it.
— Benue Breed
(@oyimzy) October 26, 2020
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