How media mogul, DSS escorts escaped death in Anambra soldiers’ encounter
A prominent Lagos-based media mogul recently recounted a terrifying ordeal in which he and his Department of State Services (DSS) escorts narrowly escaped death at the hands of soldiers on patrol in Anambra State.
The incident occurred along the Idemili-Nnobi road as the media mogul, who owns a well-known radio and television station, was on his way to Asaba Airport in Delta State. The journey, meant to mark the end of his Christmas visit to his hometown, turned into a nightmare when soldiers on patrol accused him and his security team of being kidnappers.
According to the media mogul, the soldiers abruptly blocked their vehicle and ordered everyone out.
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“They asked us to lie on the ground, claiming we looked like kidnappers,” he narrated, his voice still laced with disbelief.
The soldiers, armed and visibly hostile, cocked their guns, preparing to shoot. Despite the DSS officials presenting their identity cards to verify their status, the soldiers dismissed them as fake.
For several tense moments, all efforts to plead their innocence were ignored. The soldiers physically manhandled the group, pushing them onto the road and subjecting them to harsh treatment.
“They refused to listen to anything we said, even when the DSS officers explained who they were,” he recounted. “It was clear they were determined to act on their suspicions.”
The arrival of the patrol team leader turned the tide. Unlike his subordinates, the leader took the time to assess the situation. Upon reviewing the DSS officers’ credentials and hearing their explanation, he intervened, ordering the soldiers to stand down.
“If not for his arrival, we would have been dead,” the media mogul said, still shaken by the memory.
Reflecting on the experience, the media mogul expressed concern over the increasing mistrust and excessive use of force by security personnel in the South East. He noted that this incident is likely one of many where innocent individuals are harassed or even killed due to mistaken identity.
“This experience showed me how easily lives are lost in this region. It’s frightening to think about the innocent people who didn’t have a chance to tell their stories,” he said.
The media mogul urged the government to conduct thorough training for security forces, emphasizing the importance of proper verification procedures and respect for human rights. He also called for an urgent review of the security strategy in the South East to prevent further incidents.
“The situation is dire, and something must be done to ensure innocent lives are protected,” he concluded.
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