President Bola Tinubu has condemned the sit-at-home actions in the South East, calling them treasonable. He warned that violent non-state actors, such as those responsible for the recent killing of five soldiers at the Obikabia Junction checkpoint in Abia State, would face decisive sanctions.
The soldiers were killed by individuals identified by the Defence Headquarters as members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) during an IPOB-declared sit-at-home to mark Biafra Day.
President Tinubu directed security agencies to apprehend those responsible for the killings and those advocating for sit-at-home actions. He emphasized that the federal government’s restraint in dealing with violent attacks on its personnel should not be mistaken for weakness and affirmed that appropriate action would be taken to protect the lives of security officers.
In a statement he personally authored, Tinubu expressed his condolences to the families and colleagues of the deceased soldiers, as well as to the nation’s security forces. He described the attacks as barbaric and unacceptable.
He stated, “The slain soldiers were on peacekeeping duty in Aba, Abia State on Thursday when they were murdered, just two months after a similar tragic incident happened in Okuama in Delta State.
“These unwarranted barbaric and evil acts stand condemned and should never be condoned and tolerated in our country.
“I want to make it clear that the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the armed forces have the capacity to crush violent non-state actors, making our communities unsafe.
“I urge security agencies not only to fish out the masterminds and perpetrators of the Aba attack but also those calling on people to stay at home. Their action is nothing but a treasonable offence.
“The fact that the security forces are exercising necessary restraints should not be mistaken for weakness.
“We are working to build a peaceful and harmonious society, but nobody should be under any illusion that the government will not act appropriately when the lives of our officers and men are wantonly taken.
“While my condolences go to the families of the five slain soldiers, their colleagues and the leadership of our armed forces, I urge other men and women on peacekeeping duty not to be discouraged by the unfortunate incident in Aba.”
“Our soldiers and the police have the onerous duty to protect all of us from aggressors and non-state actors. Hundreds of them have paid the ultimate price in fulfillment of their duty, while some have experienced the indignity of being manhandled by the people they protect.
“They surely do not deserve the mindless attacks by unruly elements in our society.
“The federal government will come down heavily against those who have made it a habit to needlessly attack the officers and men of our armed forces.
“On no account should anyone, under any guise, have the audacity to kill agents of state.”
Abia State Police Commissioner Kenechukwu Onwuemelie also pledged that the law would take its course in the killing of the soldiers.
He described the incident as unfortunate and condemnable, assuring that all necessary measures would be taken to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Onwuemelie called on citizens and residents of the state to continue their lawful activities without fear and to maintain a cooperative relationship with security agencies.
“The point is that it is a very unfortunate incident and it is highly condemnable and, indeed, it is cowardly.
“All I can tell you is that the security agencies, the government of Abia State and all well meaning Nigerians feel very bad about what happened, and everything that needs to be done will be done to ensure that it does not happen again.
“And even if it happens, the law will take its course.”
