Breaking: Governor Condemn Aba Soldiers’ Killing, Call For Perpetrators’ Arrest

Breaking: Governor Condemn Aba Soldiers’ Killing, Call For Perpetrators’ Arrest

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu have strongly condemned the recent killing of soldiers in Aba, Abia State, and urged security agencies to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.

Uzodimma, who chairs the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors’ Forum, emphasized that such violent acts are uncharacteristic of the Southeast region and undermine the efforts of local governors to foster peace. He extended his condolences to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, and the families of the slain soldiers, urging residents to disregard any sit-at-home orders from non-state actors, assuring them of the government’s capability to ensure their safety.

“This is uncharacteristic of our region and undermines efforts of Southeast governors to establish peace,” Uzodimma lamented.

Deputy Speaker Kalu, representing Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, described the incident as “unwarranted, outrageous, unjust, and cruel.” He called for peaceful coexistence between residents and the military and highlighted the need for the people of Aba, known for their entrepreneurial spirit, to reject the notion that closing businesses serves their best interests. Kalu also appealed for support for President Bola Tinubu, warning that opposing the administration could have adverse effects on the region.

Former Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA – Abia South), also condemned the killings, labeling them as disheartening and barbaric. In a statement from his Media Adviser, Uchenna Awom, Abaribe called on security authorities to apprehend the culprits and ensure they face justice. He stressed that there is no justification for harming security officers and urged the military to consider the safety of innocent civilians while pursuing the perpetrators.

“I am at a loss as to the evil motives of those responsible for the killings. It can never be the character of our people and such devilish tendencies do not reflect who we are,” Abaribe stated.

Defence Headquarters (DHQ) also responded to the attacks, describing them as “self-sabotage.” Maj Gen Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, addressed the media in Abuja, emphasizing the importance of civilian support in the military’s efforts to combat terrorism and banditry. He called for respect towards soldiers, acknowledging that while they are not infallible, their morale and fighting spirit are crucial for success in their operations.

“The people want us to win the war against terrorists and bandits, and to win it, the military needs the support of civilians,” Buba said. “Jungle justice is not the way to go. It is not the way to go by civilians, especially since soldiers are putting their lives on the line. They deserve respect.”

Buba also highlighted the mental health challenges faced by soldiers, including post-traumatic stress disorder, and urged the public to report any misconduct by soldiers rather than resorting to violence.

Governor Uzodimma, Deputy Speaker Kalu, and former Senator Abaribe all extended their condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, the military, and the Nigerian public, underscoring the need for unity and peaceful resolution of conflicts in the region.