Nigerian Army has clarified the circumstances surrounding a viral video showing a confrontation between its personnel and the Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, during Saturday’s governorship election in Awka.
In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, the Army said the video misrepresented the situation.
According to him, soldiers were deployed after receiving a distress call from National Youth Service Corps officials and Independent National Electoral Commission staff who were reportedly held hostage by suspected political thugs at Ukwu Oji Umubele, Awka Ward 5.
Lt. Col. Ayeni explained that a rapid response team from the 302 Artillery Regiment was sent to the location to rescue the corps members and election officials following the disappearance of a collation officer.
He noted that troops acted professionally despite tension at the scene involving several political figures, including the deputy governor, and successfully rescued the affected personnel.
The officials were later escorted to the INEC office where collation continued peacefully.
The Army described the viral clip as misleading and said the deployment was a security and humanitarian intervention aimed at protecting lives and ensuring the smooth conduct of the election.
It added that the conduct of some political actors during the episode had been noted for future engagement with the Anambra State Government.
