The Abia State Government has condemned the killing of five soldiers by suspected criminal elements in Obikabia Junction, Ogbor Hill area, Obingwa LGA, near Aba, on Thursday, May 30, 2024.
It also placed a N25M million naira bounty on the perpetrators.
A statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information & Culture, Prince Okey Kanu partly reads,
“The Abia State Government wishes to commiserate with the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed A. Lagbaja, and the Military High Command in the country for the unfortunate incident and pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the gallant soldiers who died in active duty.”
“As a Government committed to security, safety, and peace, we consider the event of Thursday, May 30, 2024, a serious affront to our resolve by criminal elements who are hell-bent on returning Abia to the dark days of insecurity and fear amongst citizens
“We are offering a N25 million reward to anyone with useful information that could lead to the location and arrest of any of the criminals connected to the unfortunate killings,”
“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 State Government also said it will also support the families of the slain soldiers, including payment of regular stipends to their spouses and the education of their children to university level.
“We will 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,”
“We 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,”
“We 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 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 advised to set up suitable local intelligence gathering mechanisms in their localities and share whatever new information they get with the security agencies regularly,”