The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has offered scholarships to children of the five soldiers killed in an attack at a checkpoint in Obikabia, Ogbor Hill, Aba on Thursday, May 30.
The fallen military officers who died in active service have been identified as Sgt. Chalse Ugochkwu, Sgt. Bala Abraham, Cpl. Ugwu Gideon, LCpl. Ikpeama Ikechukwu, and LCpl. Augustine Emanuel.
During a condolence visit to the 144 Battalion headquarters in Ukwa West Local Government Area on Saturday, Governor Otti expressed his sympathy to the Nigerian Army and the families of the slain soldiers.
He condemned the killings as the work of criminals whose intent is to destabilise the state.
Otti also pledged close collaboration with security agencies to ensure the that the perpetrators are apprehended and adequately punished.
N25 Million Bounty
News Central reports that the Governor also pledged a N25 million bounty for anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of those responsible for the killings.
He also promised to work with the state House of Assembly to legalise the scholarships of the slain soldiers’ children to ensure they are funded up to university level by future governments.
Brigadier General Olusola Diya of the 14 Brigade Ohafia confirmed ongoing efforts to gather intelligence and bring the criminals to justice. He revealed that two army vehicles were burnt and weapons were stolen during the attack.