Orders Security Agencies To Go After Sponsors of “Sit-At-Home”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the killing of five Nigerian soldiers by the suspected proscribed terrorist organisation, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Thursday.
The officers were ambushed and killed at the Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Areas adjoining Aba metropolis, Abia State, where Operation Udoka troops were stationed to maintain peace and protect citizens.
A statement personally signed by the President described the attack as unwarranted barbaric and evil acts, adding that security agencies do not deserve mindless attacks by unruly members of society.
The President ordered uagencies not only to fish out the masterminds and perpetrators of the Aba attack, but also go after those calling on people to stay at home in the southeast region.
The statement reads, “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 tobe discouraged by the unfortunate incident in Aba”.
