Probe Secret Burial of One Thousand Nigerian Soldiers, Atiku  Tells Buhari

A statement by Atiku on Thursday said the Wall Street Journal report on
the matter was saddening and that the attempt to hide the true state of
the war on terror was heartbreaking and shocking.

He said: “Heartbreak for the families and friends of those soldiers who,
if the report is true, have lost their loved ones, without being allowed
to bury them or even to have any sense of closure as regards their fate.

“Shocked that such a thing could happen under a democracy, such as
Nigeria is supposed to be. I shudder to think that the cover-up of such
an event of epic proportions can be true.

“The men and women of our armed forces are our first, second and last
defence against domestic and foreign enemies and should be treated with
love, respect, dignity and appreciation for the invaluable service they
render to Nigeria.

“I cannot fathom that in the space of a year, 1000 of these great
patriots were killed and buried secretly without their families being
told. I hesitate to believe that deceit on such a grand scale is even
possible.

“To ensure that we get to the bottom of this matter, I urge that a
Judicial Commission of Inquiry, headed by a non-partisan and reputable
jurist, be inaugurated to investigate the findings of the Wall Street
Journal.

“While this is occurring, I also strongly urge that a panel of inquiry
comprising distinguished former military officers be set up to
investigate and report to Nigerians the true state of the war on terror
and what must be done to ensure Nigeria brings a speedy end to the
ongoing insurgency.

“Nigeria must ensure prudent use of finances, so we can redistribute
national resources in such a way that ensures that our military and
security forces are well armed and well remunerated.

“Even the death of one soldier affects me. But the alleged cover-up of
the deaths of one thousand soldiers is a national emergency that should
shock all statesmen and leaders of thoughts into action to save
Nigeria.”