Residents flee as Army vows to smoke out perpetrators
Following the killing of five Nigerian Army personnel of ‘Operation Udo Ka’ in Aba, Abia State, on May 30, 2024, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called for justice.
However, residents of Aba have started relocating to seemingly safer places, as the military authorities vow not to relent until the killers are arrested.
The Igbo socio-cultural organisation extended its ‘deepest condolences’ to the Nigerian Army and the families of the fallen soldiers.
The Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, stated that the organisation received the news with heavy hearts and profound sorrow.
His statement reads, “We stand in solidarity with all those affected by this tragedy. The loss of these gallant soldiers in this regrettable and tragic incident is not just unacceptable; it is an act of cowardice.
“These brave warriors, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their nation, were sons of Igbo land. The perpetrators of this heinous crime must face justice, for the blood of innocent Igbo soldiers cries out for retribution.”
According to the organisation, the South East governors seem overwhelmed by the security challenges; hence, immediate action is needed to restore calm and order.
“As we navigate this difficult moment, Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls for a return to non-violent and peaceful avenues of expression for Biafra agitators. Declarations of sit-at-home campaigns only serve to sow discord and strife. The regrettable killings of soldiers in Aba on May 30, 2024, not only hampered efforts towards securing the release of Nnamdi Kanu but also cast a shadow over prospects for peace and justice,” it added.
Ohanaeze urged the Army to target the perpetrators while safeguarding innocent civilians and the citizens of Aba.
MILITARY authorities say the Army will ensure that the killers of five soldiers in Aba do not go free.
Speaking when the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, visited the Headquarters of the 144 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Asa in Ukwa West Local Council, to commiserate with the widows of the slain military personnel, the Brigade Commander, Brig-General Olusola Diya, said the army was not relenting in their efforts to apprehend the perpetrators of the heinous act.
He disclosed that they had been gathering intelligence to bring whoever was directly or remotely connected to the killing to book.
After signing the condolence register, Otti assured that the state government would work with security agencies to fish out the criminal elements, who ambushed the army post at Obikabia in Obingwa Local Council on Thursday, May 30, and killed five soldiers.
He thanked the Army’s high command for reducing the tension that had enveloped the state, following the initial panic and apprehension that seized residents as a result of the barbaric killings by not allowing aggrieved soldiers to take part in reprisal.
FOUR days after the killing, residents of the city are still afraid of reprisal by soldiers. They have started relocating to places they deem safe.
Though Governor Otti had, during a meeting with the military authorities, urged residents to go about their duties without fear of molestation, residents of the Obikabia have continued to relocate to other areas. Others are still afraid of arrest by the soldiers.
Soldiers were alleged to have invaded some areas, including Eziukwu and Ngwa road markets in the city, arrested some persons, and ordered traders to leave.
