Chibok Girls 15 Soldiers To Be Charged Over Girls’ Abduction

The Nigerian Army is set to arraign 16 soldiers over the April 14 abduction of more than 200 girls from Chibok, Borno state . The soldiers, including 3 senior officers and 13 soldiers of lower ranks, are expected to appear before a General Court Martial at the Maxwell Khobe Military Cantonment, Rukuba in Jos, Plateau State after the Sallah festivities, Punch reports. Lieutenant Col. A. O. Ojo is reportedly being charged for failure to secure the Chibok community and for issuing an unauthorized statement regarding the girls’ purported rescue. The two other officers involved are Capt. O. O. Ogunrinde and 2nd Lieutenant V.I. Godknows. A source said: “The Lt. Colonel is being charged for allegedly giving information without verification, negligent performance of military duty and not going to reinforce the place where the incident took place. The charge attracts a maximum of two years’ imprisonment.” In confirming their impending arraignment, the source added: “Only Godknows and 13 soldiers were on duty in Chibok. They were not stationed within the school. No soldier was stationed in the school and they didn’t know that the school was in session.” “But I can confirm to you that the Army has concluded preparations to arraign them.” The abduction of the over 200 girls almost 6 months ago has led to severe criticism of the Nigerian Army, a situation which was made worse by claims that the girls had been rescued, claims which was later discovered to be false