Murder of 5 Soldiers; Gov offers N25 million for capture of killers, sends condolence message to COAS

Murder of 5 Soldiers; Gov offers N25 million for capture of killers, sends condolence message to COAS

Following the tragic incident at Obikabia junction, Ogbor Hill, Aba, where unknown gunmen attacked a military checkpoint, resulting in the death of five soldiers, the Abia state government has announced a N25 million bounty for information leading to the apprehension of the perpetrators.

Reports from The Nation indicate that the assailants ambushed the checkpoint, seizing rifles, burning two patrol vans, and causing significant damage before fleeing the scene.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, the State government condemned the attack and extended condolences to Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, and the entire Military High Command. The government also offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the deceased soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The 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.
“The government appreciates the officers and men of the Nigerian Army in the State for maintaining 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.”

 “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. Abia shall remain very hospitable and accommodating to all law-abiding citizens and those who engage only in legitimate businesses as defined by the laws of the federal republic of Nigeria while it shall continue to be a very hostile space for anyone whose actions or inactions, are capable of disrupting the peace and security of our communities.”