South East Governor Forum and the Speaker Abia State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, have condemned the reported killing of soldiers by gunmen in Aba on Thursday.
Four soldiers were reportedly killed during fire exchange between soldiers and gunmen yet to be identified in Obikabia Junction, Ogbor Hill, Aba.
Reacting to the death, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, said South East governors was worried by the unprovoked attack on the soldiers by gunmen.
Uzodimma said “reprehensible act by criminals is a terrible practice that undermines our collective security and must be thoroughly investigated, with the perpetrators swiftly brought to justice by our security agencies.”
On his part, Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa said the gunmen that attacked soldiers were on a mission to disrupt peace in the state.
READ ALSO: Why much work is in Aba, Umuahia- Alex Otti
Emeruwa added that the yet-to-be-identified gunmen struck unfortunately the day Abia citizens were honouring their dead heroes in commemoration of the Biafra/Nigeria civil war.
Emeruwa in a statement said, “I utterly condemn the heinous killing of four soldiers yesterday, May 30th at Obikabia Junction, Ogbor Hill Aba, while the peaceful citizens of Aba were honoring the memory of our heroes of war. This senseless act is not only barbaric but also deeply troubling, as the officers were merely performing their national duties at the checkpoint.
“I am at a loss to understand what could have driven the yet-to-be-identified assailants to carry out such a heinous crime, taking the lives of these dedicated officers. This act is antithetical to the progress and development initiatives of the current administration of Abia State in Aba. The people of Aba are peace-loving, hospitable, and law-abiding; and any attempts to instigate chaos in the city should be strongly discouraged.”
While calling for calm, the Speaker condoned with Nigeria Army and thanked “them for their professional conduct so far in the face of this malicious situation, as exemplified in their response to the recent killing of one of their personnel at the Aba Main Park. I encourage them to maintain their professionalism as they work with the government to restore order in Aba.”
“To the families of the four soldiers who lost their lives to this senseless violence, I extend my deepest sympathies. May they find the strength to bear their loss, and also find solace in the knowledge that the memories of their loved ones will live on,” he said.
