Military retirees lay siege on Defence Ministry, demand unpaid allowances (Video)
Some military retirees on Monday blocked the Ministry of Defence entrance gate in Abuja, demanding payment of their benefits by the federal government.
Some of the ex-soldiers who retired between the year 2020 to 2025 gathered at the Defence headquarters’ main gate under the aegis of the Coalition of Concerned Veterans (CCV).
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The protesting senior citizens laid their prayer mats at the two gates in front of Ship House, Abuja, until their demands were met.
Some of them travelled from different parts of the country to Abuja to demand what they said is their right.
According to a passerby, who preferred anonymity, “These are images of the retired members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and members of the Coalition of Concerned Veterans, laying siege at the premises of the Ministry of Defence, Abuja.
“This is what these loyal veterans have sadly been reduced to over the non-implementation of their security debarment allowance, which President Muhammadu Buhari, had graciously given approval of 134 billion Naira to, but the ministry has deliberately refused to push for the quick implementation.
“The veterans, blocking access to the Ship House, have vowed, for the sake of the sick and bedridden amongst them, never to vacate the premises until their demands were met.
“Mr President has approved the money and we are aware of it, but the Ministry has refused to pay us, ” said a retired staff sergeant who left service in the year 2000.
Another retired Master Warrant Officer, Walli Raymond said: “The president approved money to be paid to retired soldiers that were cut off, up till now, the ministry has refused to pay us our security debarment allowance.”
Attempt to reach the Ministry of Defence proved abortive at the time of filling this report.
Watch video below:
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