The Nigerian Army on Tuesday apologised to the people of Benue State for the Zaki Biam killings in 2001. The News Agency of Nigeria quoted the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Luka Yusuf, as tendering the apology in Makurdi at the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference.
The army allegedly massacred no fewer than 100 people in Zaki Biam in revenge for the killing of 19 soldiers sent to restore peace following an ethnic violence.
Many properties, including the house of a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Victor Malu, were burnt in the disturbance.
Yusuf said the incident happened while the army was executing its constitutional responsibility.
He urged the people of the state not to regard the Army as an enemy “but an institution that is committed to unity and peaceful co-existence in the nation.”
The CAS noted that the army had lost men in active service both at home and during peacekeeping operations abroad.
He added, “Although various commendations were won, they were not without casualties on our part.
“The killing of seven Nigerian soldiers in Darfur, though devastating, has only strengthened our resolve to ensure the restoration of peace in those troubled spots.”
The Benue State Governor, Mr. Gabriel Suswam, accepted the apology on behalf of the people of the state.
He urged the Federal Government to rehabilitate the victims of the army invasion to remove the scars of the incident.
Meanwhile, President Umaru Yar‘Adua has advised the Army to work towards meeting the challenges of professionalism and consolidation of the nation‘s democracy.
Declaring open the conference, Yar‘Adua said meeting the challenges would help to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities.
He said the army must attain greater discipline to be able to protect the nation‘s territorial integrity.
The President said discipline and professionalism would strengthen the army.
He urged the commanders of the various formations to take effective control of their commands in terms of personnel, arms and equipment.
Yar’Adua reminded the officers that ”transparency, due process and accountability” remained the cardinal points of his administration.
He paid tribute to soldiers who had lost their lives in service both at home and abroad.
Yusuf said the conference was aimed to instilling professionalism in the army.
He said the army had made appreciable progress in its transformation.
The CAS said, “Our focus in the Nigerian Army is to be a highly disciplined and professional force that will abide strictly by its constitutional role.
“And be ready to provide aid to civil authority in ensuring security of lives and property.”
He assured the President of the army’s unalloyed and absolute loyalty to the nation.
By Agency Reporter
The Punch
wednesday, November 7, 2007
