House of Reps investigates the deaths of personnel at Navy Reference Hospital

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the death of a personnel of the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, Ojo in Lagos, Richard Onumegbu after alleged brutal torture by officials of the Nigerian Navy.

This was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Ginger Obinna Onwusibe (LP, Abia) at plenary on Tuesday.

Moving the motion, Onwusibe said: on the fateful night of March 26, Onumaegbu was subjected to brutal torture for a horrifying duration of 5 hours, from 8 pm to 1 am, by five Naval officers reportedly summoned by an aggrieved lady who had issues with the deceased.

“This barbaric act not only robbed, Onumaegbu of his life but also tarnished the reputation of the Nigerian Navy and violated fundamental human rights.

“Measures are needed to forestall the possible breakdown of law and order by aggrieved youths protesting the tragic and untimely death of their colleague and brother whose life was cut down at its prime, realizing that this is the second time my constituent is being killed unconditionally by the Nigerian Navy in the past three months.”

Contributing to the debate, the Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda expressed concern that all the motions on the floor of the House bordered on lack of security and the current one shows the inappropriate attitude by Navy Personnel.

He called for a deeper investigation by the House itself and to look at all resolutions on insecurity matters and ensure their due enforcement in order to bring relief to the affected communities in Nigeria.

On his part, Hon. Ahmed Jaha (APC, Borno) called for international help from advanced nations if necessary to combat the insecurity situation once and for all, saying the use of competent international mercenaries should be considered.