Governor Otti Announces ₦25-Million Bounty For Capture Of Killers Of Five Soldiers In Aba

Governor Otti Announces ₦25-Million Bounty For Capture Of Killers Of Five Soldiers In Aba

Abia State, Nigeria – In response to the recent brutal attack on a military checkpoint at Obikabia Junction, Ogbor Hill, Aba, the Abia State government has announced a ₦25 million reward for any information leading to the capture of the assailants. This attack resulted in the tragic deaths of five soldiers and the destruction of two patrol vans and the checkpoint itself.

Unidentified gunmen carried out the assault, seizing the soldiers’ firearms before fleeing the scene. The State government, through the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, has condemned the heinous act and expressed condolences to the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, and the Military High Command. The government also offered prayers for the fallen soldiers’ peaceful rest.

In a bid to support the bereaved families, the government pledged to provide necessary assistance and prioritize the welfare of security operatives. Citizens have been urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to maintain safety across the state.

The official statement read, “As a government committed to security, safety and peace within its territory at all times, the Abia State Government considers the event of Thursday, May 30, 2024 a serious affront to its resolve by criminal elements who are hell-bent on returning Abia to the dark days of insecurity and fear amongst citizens, especially in Aba, the economic heartbeat of the State.

“This is more regrettable in the light of the fact that unprecedented investments have been made in the last one year to restore the city’s public infrastructure and reposition it as an attractive investment destination for local and foreign businesses.

“The Government will therefore respond appropriately to reassure citizens, investors, and friends of Abia across the world that it would be relentless in bringing the full wrath of the law to bear on anyone or group who constitutes the slightest threat to the peace and security of the land, whatever be their motivation.

“To underscore its resolve, the State Government is offering a N25 million (Twenty-five Million Naira) reward to anyone with useful information that could lead to the location and arrest of any of the criminals connected to the unfortunate killings, and the subsequent state of apprehension across the city of Aba and environs.

“The security formations in the State have been directed to treat informants with all the confidentiality required to guarantee their full cooperation and assistance until the criminals are fully apprehended and brought to book.

“Pledging to prioritize the welfare of the security operatives working in the state, the state government also promised to take up the responsibility of supporting the families of the slain soldiers, including payment of regular stipends to their spouses, and the education of their children to university level.

“The government appreciates the officers and men of the Nigerian Army in the State for maintaining a high sense of professionalism in their response to the distressing event.

“The State will also encourage our military and security personnel to continue to show restraint, whether at the checkpoints, on patrol, or while engaged in other security duties, even as the government continues to work with all relevant stakeholders, including the security high commands, traditional and community leaders to gather and process all intelligence information which will ultimately lead to the capture of the perpetrators of the heinous crime at Obikabia Junction, and anyone directly or remotely connected to it in any form.

“The Government wishes to use this medium to encourage citizens to go about their legitimate duties without fear as necessary measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of residents, and businesses in all parts of Abia. Individuals with useful information on the activities and movement of criminals in their neighbourhood are also advised to share such information with the security agencies as quickly as possible for necessary action.”

The Abia State government remains committed to ensuring justice for the fallen soldiers and maintaining the security and peace of the state.