Aloy Ejimakor, counsel to detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, has explained why many Igbo youths avoid enlisting in the Nigerian Army.dailypost+3
He said the low participation of young people from the South East in military recruitment is not because they lack courage, but because they do not trust the army and other security institutions.
Ejimakor argued that years of perceived marginalisation, unfair treatment and security operations in the region have created deep resentment and suspicion among many youths.
He noted that military campaigns and clashes in the South East, especially those linked to IPOB and other groups, have reinforced the belief that the army does not protect Igbo interests.dailypost+2
The lawyer was reacting to comments by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who had appealed to South East youths to join the army and help defend the country.
Ejimakor said that without genuine efforts to address grievances, reform security practices and build trust, recruitment appeals will continue to record poor responses in the region
Military authorities have previously complained that states in the South East record some of the lowest application numbers, forcing them to reassign unused recruitment slots to other parts of Nigeria
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Niger turns to Nigerian ports amid diplomatic row with Benin Republic
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Tension in Anambra as suspected cultists kill popular advertiser, one other
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Iran FM accuses ‘serpent’ Netanyahu of tricking US into war
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Tension in Anambra as suspected cultists kill popular advertiser, one other
The attacks were reported in Awka on Sunday, with residents expressing fear as police and other security agencies moved to investigate the killings. Aiza was widely known in Awka as a mobile advertiser, DJ and media personality. Reports said he was shot by gunmen in an attack believed to be linked to cult-related violence, though police had not publicly established a motive at the time of reporting. A second man was also reportedly killed in a separate shooting incident, heightening anxiety among residents. The Anambra State Police Command has previously urged witnesses to provide useful information confidentially as it investigates violent attacks and works to identify those responsible.premiumtimesng+3 Authorities are expected to provide further details on the identities of the victims, the circumstances of the attacks and any arrests as the investigation progresses.
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