President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the killing of five soldiers in Aba, Abia State, by suspected militants of the proscribed terrorist organization, IPOB.
The soldiers were on peacekeeping duty when they were attacked on Thursday, marking a repeat of a similar tragic incident in Okuama, Delta State, two months ago.
“These unwarranted barbaric and evil acts stand condemned and should never be condoned and tolerated in our country,” President Tinubu declared in a statement.
He emphasized the critical role of the armed forces and police in protecting the nation from aggressors and non-state actors, noting that many have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.
“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 fulfilment of their duty, while some have experienced the indignity of being manhandled by the people they protect.nThey surely do not deserve the mindless attacks by unruly elements in our society,” he stated.
President Tinubu vowed that the federal government would take decisive action against those who attack military and police personnel.
“On no account should anyone, under any guise, have the audacity to kill agents of the state. 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 asserted.
He also called on security agencies to apprehend not only the perpetrators of the Aba attack but also those inciting people to stay at home, labeling such actions as treasonable offenses.
“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,” Tinubu emphasized.
The President reassured the nation that the government’s measured response should not be mistaken for weakness.
He warned, “The fact that the security forces are exercising necessary restraints should not be mistaken for weakness.mWe 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.”
Expressing his condolences to the families of the slain soldiers, their colleagues, and the leadership of the armed forces, President Tinubu urged other peacekeepers not to be discouraged by the incident.
“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,” he concluded.