KANO, Nigeria (AFP) ? Nigerian troops deployed to a troubled northeastern city where Islamists have stepped up attacks hit back on Thursday at rape and extra-judicial killing accusations by residents fleeing the city.
Residents alleged that troops deployed in Maiduguri to combat the Boko Haram sect last weekend targeted civilians after accusing them of complicity with the militants.
Thousands of residents are fleeing the city, fearing more violence linked to Islamist attacks and soldiers' response.
"On the issue of rape, the JTF (joint task force) wishes to state that no member is involved in such act as claimed," the special military unit said in a statement.
On charges that "hundreds of youth have been shot and killed by soldiers for no known reason other than they were young people. This allegation is not true as those killed were the members of the Boko Haram sect," it stated.
"This is the handiwork of sponsors, sympathisers and members of the sect aimed at discrediting the task force so as to have a field day to operate," said the statement issued by Colonel Victor Ebhaleme, the troops commander of operations.
A group of respected Maiduguri community leaders under the aegis of Borno Elders Forum this week added their voice to the allegations of extra-judicial killings, rape and other rights violations against the soldiers.
"The soldiers go from door to door killing innocent people, they break into homes stealing property and raping young women and these acts have led to a mass exodus of residents from Maiduguri," Bulama Mali Gubio, one of the elders told reporters after a meeting, which called for the withdrawal of the troops.
But the JTF blamed spates of rape in the city on "some youths", saying three alleged rapists were arrested on Tuesday with the help of residents.
One of the suspects died in hospital from injuries inflicted by residents in one part of the city while two other suspects were in military custody, the military said.
Ebhaleme said the troops "are professionals" posted to the area "to restore law and order."
A man claiming to be Boko Haram spokesman on Tuesday said the sect would not halt their attacks unless troops are withdrawn.
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