President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the recent killing of five soldiers in Aba, Abia State by militants suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The soldiers, who were deployed to the state on peacekeeping duty, were reportedly ambushed by suspected militants on Thursday.
“I have received yet another disheartening news of the killing of five soldiers by suspected militants of the proscribed terrorist organization, IPOB,” President Tinubu stated.
He highlighted that this tragedy comes just two months after a similar incident in Okuama, Delta State, where soldiers also lost their lives.
“These unwarranted, barbaric, and evil acts stand condemned and should never be condoned or tolerated in our country,” the President declared.
Emphasizing the government’s commitment to addressing these acts of violence, President Tinubu vowed a strong response.
“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 the state.”
He underscored the critical role of the military and police in maintaining national security. “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.”
The President strongly criticized the perpetrators of these attacks, describing them as “unruly elements” who are perpetrating mindless violence. “They surely do not deserve the mindless attacks by unruly elements in our society.”
He reassured Nigerians of the government’s capability to maintain order and security.
“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,” he said.
President Tinubu called on security agencies to bring the perpetrators of the Aba attack to justice and to address the broader issue of those inciting unrest.
He said, “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 offense.”
“The fact that the security forces are exercising necessary restraint 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.”
In concluding his statement, President Tinubu extended his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers. “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.”
The President’s remarks underscore the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in Nigeria and the government’s resolve to confront and eliminate threats to national peace and stability.