Nigerian Army has constituted a Board of Inquiry,BOI to investigate the alleged attack and brutality on residents of Makoko community in Yaba area of Lagos state by two soldiers- Privates Ihama Osaretin and Okpor Ray.

Report had it that about 14 soldiers stormed the community and allegedly unleashed mayhem on anyone on sight, and in the process one Segun Enikumehin of Aiyetoro Street, was said to have be beaten to a pulp, lost an eye.

However, the residents were said to have mobilised and repelled the attack which forced all but two soldiers to flee.

One of the soldiers was severely injured. Policemen from Makoko division who stormed the area, whisked the soldiers away.

Briefing newsmen on the incident, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Kingsley Samuel, said the Police had handed the arrested soldiers to the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army for investigation.

Samuel said the injured soldier was still receiving treatment, saying the BOI was constituted by the General Officer Commanding, GOC 81 division, Major General Isidore Henry Edet, to investigate and submit its findings and recommendations within three weeks.

He was however silent on whether the soldiers’ visit to the community was legal, informing rather that it was the responsibility of the BoI to investigate.

The BoI according to him was expected to among other things, investigate what their mission at the community was; how many soldiers visited; if there were any victim(s) as reported ; who were those involved and whether the soldiers were culpable.

He hinted that its findings would be made known to members of the public, emphasizing that discipline remained the bedrock of the military professionalism.

Samuel was however quick to add that “the alleged incident is highly regrettable particularly now that 81 Division in conjunction with other security agencies and full cooperation of the civil populace is consolidating on the gains of successfully dislodging pipeline vandals and criminal elements in Ibafo and Arepo areas of Lagos and Ogun states.

81 Division frowns at this unfortunate incident and wishes to assure the general public that this unlawful act will not go unpunished if these soldiers are found culpable.