LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)–The Presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar has called for a political solution to the ongoing detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
This comes after the killing of soldiers in Aba, Abia State, during a sit-at-home protest organized by IPOB across the Southeast region.
Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice-President, condemned the violence and urged for a peaceful resolution to the situation.
He emphasized the need to explore a political solution for Nnamdi Kanu, who is facing treason charges, as a means to alleviate tension in the region.
“The violence that led to the killing of soldiers and civilians in Abia State on Thursday stands condemned.
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“My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who may have lost a loved one. May their souls rest in peace. But even more profound is the impact of yesterday’s sit-at-home in the Southeast region of our country on students writing WAEC examinations.
“The veil of the so-called Unknown Gun Men hiding undercover to unleash death and mayhem must be lifted to ensure that criminal elements are separated from legitimate agitators.
“To this end, without prejudice to the ongoing legal processes, I think the time has come to explore a political resolution to the Nnamdi Kanu and other associated issues. I believe that this will diffuse the compressor cooker situation in the region. It will be a win-win for all parties,” Atiku wrote on X on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Military High Command has pledged to exert significant military pressure on IPOB in response to the killing of the five soldiers.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, stated in a Friday statement that the military will pursue a vigorous response to the dastard act, ensuring the group’s complete defeat through overwhelming military pressure.
He stated that the soldiers of Operation UDO KA stationed at the Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area, adjacent to Aba metropolis in Abia State, were ambushed and tragically killed by terrorists affiliated with IPOB/ESN.