President Bola Tinubu has condemned the recent killing of soldiers in Aba, Abia State, describing it a treasonable offence that must be decisively dealt with.
This attack occurred two months after a similar incident in Okuama, Delta State.
The President warned the groups responsible, particularly the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), that Nigeria has the capacity to respond decisively.
He expressed regret over the murder of five soldiers by suspected IPOB militants while they were on peacekeeping duty, stating that such barbaric acts are unacceptable and must not be tolerated.
“I have received yet another disheartening news of the killing of five soldiers by suspected militants of the proscribed terrorist organisation, IPOB.
“The slain soldiers were on peacekeeping duty in Aba, Abia State on Thursday when they were murdered, just two months after a similar tragic incident happened in Okuama in Delta state.
“These unwarranted barbaric and evil acts stand condemned and should never be condoned and tolerated in our country,” he stated.
The President stressed the dedication and sacrifices made by the armed forces and police to protect the nation, noting that many have paid the ultimate price.
He stressed that these forces do not deserve such senseless attacks.
“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.
“They surely do not deserve the mindless attacks by unruly elements in our society. 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 state.
Tinubu assured that the government would take strong measures against those who attack security personnel. He made it clear that the government and armed forces can eliminate violent non-state actors.
He urged security agencies to identify and apprehend both the perpetrators of the Aba attack and those encouraging people to stay at home, calling their actions treasonable.
“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.
“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.
President Tinubu concluded that the government’s restraint should not be mistaken for weakness and that appropriate action would be taken to ensure peace and security.
“The fact that the security forces are exercising necessary restraints 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,” he said.