Wives of soldiers detained in Maiduguri have appealed to President Bola Tinubu and military authorities to grant them pardon, saying their husbands deserve the same mercy extended to Boko Haram members and other criminals.
The women, numbering over 30 and some carrying children, staged a protest on Tuesday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Maiduguri, Borno state.
Rose Emmanuel David, who spoke on behalf of the group, said many of their husbands had been held for more than a year at the military police facility in Maiduguri for committing “minor offences.”
She lamented that families were struggling to survive as they had been forced into menial jobs to pay school fees and feed their children.
Her words: “We are here on behalf of our husbands, who are detained soldiers of the Nigerian Army at the 7 Division Military Police Facility, Maiduguri.
“We humbly appeal for mercy and forgiveness. Many have been held for months and years over various offences. They have since acknowledged their mistakes, have deeply reflected and now seek a second chance to serve their country with renewed loyalty.”
The women said the federal government had granted amnesty to insurgents, bandits, and other criminals, and called on Tinubu to extend the same mercy to soldiers who once risked their lives to defend the country.
“It is important to remember that amnesty has been extended to repentant insurgents and bandits, who once raised arms against the state.
“These soldiers are Nigerians too, men who once risked their lives to defend our people and preserve our nation.
“They deserve the same mercy, so that they can once again fight for peace, unity, and security,” they stated.
The group also urged the National Assembly, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, and Nigerians of goodwill to support their plea.
“This is not a call for sympathy, but for justice with compassion. Their service and sacrifices should not be forgotten. Granting them pardon will not only restore their dignity but also strengthen the bond of trust between the nation and those who defend it,” the women added.
Last week, a special court martial convened by Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division, sentenced four soldiers, including two senior non-commissioned officers, for arms racketeering and aiding the enemy.