Guardian Nigeria
• Otti Places N25m Bounty On Perpetrators
• Ohanaeze Youths, HURIWA Condemn Incident, Seek Measured Military Response
Nigeria’s military high command has expressed anger over the ‘unwarranted’ killing of no fewer than five soldiers at a checkpoint by suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/ Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) members in Aba, Abia State.
The high command has also vowed to retaliate the attack, warning that it would no longer handle attacks on its personnel with kid gloves.The Abia State government, in its reaction, regretted the ugly incident yesterday and offered a N25 million reward to anyone with useful information that could lead to the location and arrest of any of the criminals connected to the unfortunate killings.
Similarly, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, has condemned the killing, describing it as despicable. Meanwhile, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has noted that while the perpetrators of the heinous act must be brought to justice, the military must ensure that innocent Igbo youths are not targeted in the ensuing operations.
Spokesman of the Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Edward Buba, who disclosed the death toll of the soldiers, noted that troops of OP UDOKA deployed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Council adjourning Aba metropolis in Abia State, were attacked and sadly killed by IPOB/ESN terrorists
He said: “The troops deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were attacked by the terrorists. The terrorists, in three tinted Prado Toyota Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and others from built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint, sprang a surprise attack on the checkpoint.
“The attack sadly took the lives of five personnel of the Armed Forces in one action. The Armed Forces mourn the death of these troops, as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing concerning the attack.
“Overall, it must be reiterated that the lifeline of the terrorists is the people and this situation is no exemption. Winning the war without the support of the people is close to impossible. The IPOB capitalised on this to perpetrate attacks on the troops. The situation leaves more to be desired.
“Accordingly, it is absolutely imperative that the military will retaliate against this dastardly act against troops. The military would be fierce in its response. We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat.”
The Abia State government, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, commiserated with the Chief of the Army Staff, Major General Taoreed A. Lagbaja, and the Military High Command over the incident, praying for the peaceful repose of the souls of the gallant soldiers who died in active duty.
He stated: “As a government committed to security, safety and peace within its territory at all times, the Abia State government considers the event of Thursday, May 30, 2024, a serious affront to its resolve to deal with criminal elements who are hell-bent on returning Abia to the dark days of insecurity and fear among citizens, especially in Aba, the economic heartbeat of the State.
“This is more regrettable in the light of the fact that unprecedented investments have been made in the last one year to restore the city’s public infrastructure and reposition it as an attractive investment destination for local and foreign businesses.”
According to the commissioner, to underscore its resolve, it has offered a N25-million reward to anyone with useful information that could lead to the location and arrest of any of the criminals connected to the unfortunate killings, and the subsequent state of apprehension across the city of Aba and environs.
He noted that the security formations in the state have also been directed to treat informants with all the confidentiality required to guarantee their full cooperation and assistance until the criminals are fully apprehended and brought to book.
While condemning the incident, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, in a statement, said such acts were barbaric and alien to Igbo values and culture.
Okwu said Ndigbo had sanctity for human lives, noting that it was callous for anyone to shed blood while at the same time mourning the fallen heroes. He said: “What happened in Aba on Thursday, similar incidents in the past, are pointers to the fact that infiltrators have taken over the Biafra struggle.
“We heartily commiserate with the Nigerian Army for this painful loss; we also grieve with the families of the soldiers who died in active service of our country. May their souls rest in peace.”
In its reaction, HURIWA condemned the brutal murder of the soldiers and extended its condolences to the families of the fallen troops.
“The killing of soldiers is a grave and unacceptable act of violence that demands a response,” National Coordinator of HURIWA, Emmanuel Onwubiko, stated.
“However, it is imperative that this response is measured, targeted and avoids collateral damage, particularly to innocent civilians. We cannot allow the tragic loss of our soldiers to justify further loss of innocent lives.”
The association warned against the potential for a humanitarian crisis if the military engages in indiscriminate retaliation, stating that past experiences have shown that broad military actions in civilian areas can lead to widespread suffering and displacement.
On his part, Commodore Aliu (retd) said: “It’s really sad and unfortunate that military men who lay down their lives for all Nigerians to live in peace are being killed in some parts of the country. Remember that some countries honour their military men in different spheres of human endeavours.
“Besides tarnishing the image of the country in the comity of nations, it demoralises the troops who are in the theatre of operations. Are soldiers not Nigerians? Don’t they have families? Is it a crime to volunteer and join the military?
“To end such barbaric actions, I will recommend a special tribunal to prosecute offenders and dispense justice appropriately commensurate with their offence(s).”
Retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, also said: “The truth is that the involvement or intervention of the military in domestic space has rendered other agencies useless and jobless. Police, saddled with the responsibility of maintaining internal security, should be equipped and retrained to perform their duties.”
