LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – In response to the killings of five soldiers during the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Day on Thursday, the Defence Headquarters has vowed to be fierce in retaliation.
The military also revealed that investigation is being carried out to know those behind such heinous act against its victims.
The military accused IPOB and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) for the attack which resulted in the death of the soldiers.
The horrific attack happened at Obikabia Junction checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area, Abia State,
However, the group has dismissed such accusations saying it no hand in the killings.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen. Edward Buba, said in a statement that the terrorists who rode in three tinted Toyota Prado SUVs and others from “built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint, sprang a surprise attack on the checkpoint,” killing their victims.
The troops, he said, had been deployed to “enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens” only to be massed attacked and killed by the terrorists.
Buba further said: “The armed forces mourn the death of these troops as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss.
“Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing concerning the attack.
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“Overall, it must be reiterated that the lifeline of the terrorist is the people and this situation is no exemption.
“Winning the war without the support of the people is close to impossible.
“The IPOB capitalised on this to perpetrate attacks on the troops. The situation leaves much to be desired.
“Accordingly, it is absolutely imperative that the military retaliate against this dastardly act against troops.
“The military would be fierce in its response.
“We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat.”
Sit-at-home Order
Five states in the south-east have been struggling to resume socio-economic activities over IPOB sit-at-home enforcement.
The five South East states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo.
Following the emergency security meeting, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, placed N25 million bounty to provide information on the killers.
Information and Culture Commissioner Okey Kanu, in a statement on behalf of the government, commiserated with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Taoreed A. Lagbaja, and the Military High Command on the “unfortunate incident and pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of the gallant soldiers who died on active duty.”
He added:”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.
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“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 is 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.
“Furthermore, the Abia State Government will, in line with its commitment to the welfare of the security operatives working within its territory, 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.
“It is the least the state can do for the soldiers who died in brave service to their fatherland.
“The government will also like to specially appreciate the officers and men of the Nigerian Army in the state for maintaining a high sense of professionalism in their response to the very 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.
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“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.
“Traditional and community leaders in all parts of the state are by this communication advised to set up suitable local intelligence gathering mechanisms in their localities and share whatever new information they get with the security agencies regularly.
“The State Government shall not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law to bear on any traditional or community leader found to be harbouring criminal elements in their domains.
“Lastly, the Abia State Government will continue to give all necessary support to the security agencies in the state for the purpose of protecting lives and property.
“Very importantly, the earlier warning to criminal elements to consider all parts of Abia as a no-go area is still in force. Any attempt to test the will of the Government, as happened on Thursday, May 30, 2024, shall be resisted with every resource at the disposal of the state.”
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IPOB REACTS
IPOB debunked involvement in the killing of Soldiers deployed to enforce peace in the region.
The group also labelled politicians responsible for bringing disunity to the region.
IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful said in a statement that the group “focused on remembering our fallen heroes and heroines, and has no hand in the attack on military personnel.”
It condemned “such criminal activities and urge the authorities to investigate and bring those responsible to justice.”
It commended “Biafrans, friends of Biafra, and lovers of Biafra freedom” for their compliance with the May 30th sit-at-home protest and said the success of the action was “a significant message to IPOB’s adversaries that the illegal detention of their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, does not deter the group’s resolve for freedom.”
It described itself as a state actor “fully in control of Biafra territory and pledged never to disappoint Biafrans.”
The group asked South East governors to declare May 30 a public holiday in honour of “ Biafran fallen heroes from henceforth.”
The Nation