Listen to article
|
The Government of Abia State has condemned Thursday’s killing of five soldiers at Obikabia Junction, in the Ogbor Hill area, Obingwa LGA, near Aba, pledging a ₦25 million reward for anyone with useful information that could lead to the location and arrest of any of the criminals connected with the killings.
In a statement made public on Friday, Prince Okey Kanu, the state’s Commissioner for Information & Culture, said the state government wishes to commiserate with the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed A. Lagbaja, and the military high command for the unfortunate incident and pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of the gallant soldiers who died in active duty.
“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 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 statement read.
Read Also: Jubilation As Otti Names 1st 6-Lane Road In Abia After Ironsi
He assured that the state government will 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 on anyone or group who constitutes the slightest threat to the peace and security of the land.
The commissioner also disclosed that 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 statement further read: “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.
“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