…Says he will come down heavily on perpetrators
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern warning to those responsible for the killing of soldiers in Aba last Thursday, promising to take swift and severe action against those who perpetuate such attacks on the Armed Forces.
In a statement he personally signed, the president emphasised that the government would not tolerate the unnecessary targeting of military personnel, stating that those who engage in such acts would face the full force of the law.
The president’s remarks followed the killing of five soldiers in Aba, Abia State by militants suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which sparked off widespread outrage, condemnation and calls for justice.
Tinubu, who noted that the killing of the soldiers who were on peacekeeping duty in Aba, just two months after a similar tragic incident happened in Okuama in Delta State, said: “On no account should anyone, under any guise, have the audacity to kill agents of state.”
The statement reads in full:
“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 fulfillment 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.”
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