In response to the tragic killing of five soldiers at Obikabia junction, Ogbor Hill, Aba, the Abia State government has announced a N25 million bounty on the perpetrators.
The assailants, who remain unidentified, launched an attack on a military checkpoint, resulting in the death of the soldiers and the destruction of two patrol vans and the checkpoint itself.
The State government, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, expressed its deep condolences to the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, and the Military High Command. The government also prayed for the souls of the brave soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The Abia State Government, dedicated to maintaining security, safety, and peace, views the incident as a severe violation of its commitment. The government has made significant investments over the past year to restore public infrastructure and position Aba, the state’s economic hub, as an attractive destination for both local and international businesses.
In light of this, the government has pledged to respond decisively to reassure citizens, investors, and friends of Abia worldwide. It is committed to ensuring that anyone posing a threat to the peace and security of the state will face the full force of the law.
To emphasize its determination, the State Government is offering a N25 million reward for any information that could lead to the arrest of the criminals involved in the killings. The government has instructed the state’s security agencies to treat informants with the utmost confidentiality to ensure their full cooperation until the criminals are apprehended and prosecuted.
The state government has also pledged to prioritize the welfare of security personnel working in the state and promised to support the families of the deceased soldiers. This includes providing regular stipends to their spouses and funding the education of their children up to university level.
The government commends the professionalism of the Nigerian Army in the state in their response to the distressing event. It encourages military and security personnel to continue to exercise restraint in their duties, while the government works with all relevant stakeholders to gather intelligence information leading to the capture of the perpetrators.
The government urges citizens to continue their daily activities without fear, as measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of residents and businesses across Abia. It also advises individuals with information on criminal activities in their neighborhoods to share such information with security agencies promptly.
Finally, the government has called on traditional rulers in the state to establish local intelligence gathering mechanisms and share any new information they obtain with the security agencies.
