Abuse of Female Soldier by Superiors: FG reacts

The Federal Government has responded to the disturbing allegations of sexual harassment made by a female soldier, Ruth Ogunleye, against senior officers within the Nigerian Army.

Ogunleye took to TikTok to share her ordeal, accusing a colonel and two other senior officers of sexual harassment, intimidation, and threats to her life.

In an official statement released on Monday, the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, strongly condemned the alleged sexual harassment and pledged to intervene in the matter.

The minister urged the Nigerian Army to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations, commending the military for its reputation in discipline, decorum, and comportment.

Expressing concern over the viral video, Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye emphasized the need for a comprehensive inquiry into the claims of sexual harassment.

She called on the high command of the army to ensure a thorough investigation and appropriate penalties for any proven wrongdoing.

In the statement, the minister highlighted the disturbing content of the video, where the female soldier detailed unfair treatment, stigmatization, and various forms of harassment by her superiors, including allegations of the stoppage of her salary, drugging, and eviction from her apartment.

“The contents of the video are so disturbing and should not be allowed to be swept under the carpet as women remain weaker vessels and should not be subjected to any form of maltreatment, dehumanization or harassment, especially in an egalitarian society where gender balance and fairness should be upheld by all and sundry,” the minister stated.