By Prince Chidiebere Ifoh
SIR:
I do not intend to write a lengthy letter or go political in the process. My concern is for the 54 Nigerian soldiers who have been convicted of mutiny, and sentenced to death by a court martial. It is true that these men were part of the Special Forces division ordered in August to retake three lost towns in Borno State, and that they refused to fight. But following the facts on ground, this is not enough reason to blatantly kill 54 young Nigerians.
On July 9, 2014, after the extremists reportedly killed 26 military personnel and seriously injured 82, the soldiers had demanded to be properly armed – but we were not sure if that happened. And whilst the frontline troops have consistently complained that they lacked weapons and other ammunition needed to face Boko Haram, the insurgents are known to have tanks, rocket-propelled grenade launchers and other heavy weapon. It is obvious that venturing into such combat would have been a suicidal mission for these young men.
In a similar case in September, 12 soldiers were sentenced to death for mutiny after firing on their commanding officer in the northeast city of Maiduguri, where troops are battling against Boko Haram. Since the soldiers have continued to bemoan the non-provision of weapons, it would suffice to say that there must be an atom of truth in what they are saying.
I (with other passionate Nigerians) appeal to you to intervene and help save the lives of these young men. It will be grave injustice to kill soldiers who made a legitimate demand for equipment to fight the insurgents.
Sir, 54 Nigerian families shouldn’t be deprived their joy anytime soon. Alongside the other 43 soldiers on trial and those previously sentenced to death, let justice on the part of the military be tempered with mercy. We shouldn’t lose more Nigerians on the altar of Boko Haram. I trust your right and merciful decision on this matter. These men will prove to be assets to the Nigerian military in the long run. Nigeria must not shed their blood.
As it is God’s will, we will eventually defeat Boko Haram and tell the success story in the future.
Thank you, Mr. President.