The Abia State Government has placed a N25million bounty on the killers of five soldiers in the Aba area of the state and also condoled with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja over the incident.
Gunmen on Thursday stormed the military unit at Obikabia Junction, Ogbor Hill area, and also burnt the unit as well as a patrol van parked in the unit. Some soldiers were alleged to have escaped the attack by the gunmen.
A day after the incident, the state government described it as unfortunate and prayed for the repose of the souls of the gallant soldiers who died on active duty.
“To underscore its resolve, the state government is offering a N25million 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,” a statement by the commissioner for Information and Culture, Okey Kanu, read.
“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.”
Meanwhile, a non-governmental organisation, #Prayer & Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies, has strongly condemned the brutal killing of the soldiers at the checkpoint in Aba on Thursday morning.
In a statement signed by the Convener of the group, Mrs Mary Abayomi-Fatile, and obtained by SaharaReporters, the organisation vehemently denounced the incident and the loss of lives of soldiers who were on their duty posts.
Abayomi-Fatile said, “The Nigerian government must deal decisively with those involved in this dastardly act to serve as a deterrent to other criminals. Enough of just saying investigations will be carried out while we are losing innocent officers serving their fatherland.”
The group condoled with the Chief of Army Staff and the families of the soldiers who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident, urging security agencies to ensure that those behind the attack were caught and prosecuted.
“The government must fish out the killers of these personnel and ensure they face the wrath of the law,” emphasised Abayomi Fatile.
The Convener highlighted the importance of respecting and properly treating personnel of the armed forces, recognising them as fathers, uncles, and brothers who protect the nation.
She emphasised the need for Nigerians to unite and collaborate to end insecurity and called upon the federal government, legislators, state governors, and traditional rulers to address the issues at hand and ensure that perpetrators are appropriately punished to deter others.
Ambassador Abayomi Fatile extended condolences to the families of the deceased personnel and offered prayers for the souls of the fallen soldiers.