By Damilare Adeleye
President Bola Tinubu has condemned the killing of five soldiers at a military checkpoint located at Obikabia junction, Ogbor Hill, Abia State.
Recall that gunmen suspected to be enforcers of the sit-at-home directed by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had attacked the checkpoint and killed five soldiers and burnt two patrol vans as well as their checkpoint on Thursday.
IPOB had given a sit-at-home order in the southeast region to remember those killed during the Biafra civil war.
Reacting via a statement he personally signed on Saturday, President Tinubu, expressed sadness over the incident, urging security operatives to fish out the masterminds the attack and also those “calling on people to stay at home.”
He said, “I have received yet another disheartening news story about the killing of five soldiers by suspected militants of the proscribed terrorist organisation, 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, Delta State.
“These unwarranted barbaric and evil acts are condemnable and should never be condoned or tolerated in our country.
“Our soldiers and the police have the onerous duty to protect all of us from aggressors and criminal 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 actions are nothing short of treason.
“The fact that the security forces are exercising necessary restraints when attacked 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.”