Ex-Nigerian Soldiers Protest In Abuja Over Unpaid Benefits

A group of retired Nigerian soldiers returned to the streets of Abuja on Thursday, staging another protest to demand the payment of their outstanding entitlements.

The ex-soldiers had suspended an earlier demonstration on August 4 after meeting with officials from the Ministries of Defence and Finance, who assured them that the funds would be released by August 10.

The ex-servicemen, who converged on the Ministry of Finance headquarters in the nation’s capital, accused the authorities of failing to keep their word and neglecting their welfare.

One of the demonstrators, identified as Mama G, said the soldiers had no option but to resume their agitation.

“We are here because the promises made to us were never fulfilled. We had no choice but to return to the streets. This time around, the protest will be massive”, Mama G said.

The latest protest adds to a series of similar demonstrations by retired soldiers in recent years, as they continue to accuse the government of unfair treatment and disregard for their sacrifices.

As of the time of filing this report, the Ministry of Defence, Defence Headquarters, and the Military Pension Board had not issued any official response.

KanyiDaily recalls that retirees under the auspices Nigerian Union of Pensioner recently staged a street protest on Monday over unpaid benefits.