President Bola Tinubu has ordered security agencies to search and arrest those who murdered soldiers in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia State.
Five soldiers were killed by gunmen at Umukabia Junction in the Ogbor Hill area of Aba on May 30, 2024, when the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) declared a sit-at-home in commemoration of “Biafra Day.”
Although no group claimed responsibility for the attack, the military fingered IPOB and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) for it.
In a statement on Saturday, President Tinubu directed security agencies to go after killers of the soldiers and those forcing people to observe sit-at-home.
Describing the attack of security agents, killing of soldiers and enforcement of sit-at-home as treasonable offences, Tinubu said such crimes would not be tolerated.
The statement said:
“I have received yet another disheartening news of the killing of five soldiers by suspected militants of the proscribed terrorist organization, IPOB.
“The slain soldiers were on peacekeeping duty in Aba, Abia State on Thursday when they were murdered, just two months after a similar tragic incident happened in Okuama in Delta state.
“These unwarranted barbaric and evil acts stand condemned and should never be condoned and tolerated in our country.
“Our soldiers and the police have the onerous duty to protect all of us from aggressors and non-state actors. Hundreds of them have paid the ultimate price in fulfilment of their duty, while some have experienced the indignity of being manhandled by the people they protect.
“They surely do not deserve the mindless attacks by unruly elements in our society.
“The federal government will come down heavily against those who have made it a habit to needlessly attack the officers and men of our armed forces.
“On no account should anyone, under any guise, have the audacity to kill agents of state.
“I want to make it clear that the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the armed forces have the capacity to crush violent non-state actors, making our communities unsafe.
“I urge security agencies not only to fish out the masterminds and perpetrators of the Aba attack, but also those calling on people to stay at home. Their action is nothing but a treasonable offence.
“The fact that the security forces are exercising necessary restraints should not be mistaken for weakness.
“We are working to build a peaceful and harmonious society, but nobody should be under any illusion that the government will not act appropriately when the lives of our officers and men are wantonly taken.
“While my condolences go to the families of the five slain soldiers, their colleagues and the leadership of our armed forces, I urge other men and women on peacekeeping duty not to be discouraged by the unfortunate incident in Aba.”
