- condoles with Lagbaja
By Tolulope Olatunji
The Abia state government has announced a N25 million bounty for an information that could lead to the arrest of the gunmen responsible for the attack on a military checkpoint at Obikabia junction, Ogbor Hill, Aba, Abia State.
Recall that the attack which occurred on 30 May, 2024, led to the death of five soldiers. The perpetrators reportedly targeted the checkpoint, setting two patrol vans and the checkpoint itself ablaze.The assailants later took to their heels after allegedly seizing arms of the murdered soldiers.
While condemning the abrupt attack, the state Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, who spoke on behalf of the governor, Alex Otti condoled with the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja and the families of the gallant soldiers who died while in active duty.
“As a government committed to security, safety and peace within its territory at all times, the Abia State Government considers the event of Thursday, May 30, 2024 a serious affront to its resolve by criminal elements who are hell-bent on returning Abia to the dark days of insecurity and fear amongst citizens, especially in Aba, the economic heartbeat of the State, “ the state government’s statement read in aparts.
It added: “This is more regrettable in the light of the fact that unprecedented investments have been made in the last one year to restore the city’s public infrastructure and reposition it as an attractive investment destination for local and foreign businesses.
“The Government will therefore respond appropriately to reassure citizens, investors and friends of Abia across the world that it would be relentless in bringing the full wrath of the law to bear on anyone or group who constitutes the slightest threat to the peace and security of the land, whatever be their motivation.”
“To underscore its resolve, the State Government is offering a N25 million (Twenty-five Million Naira) reward to anyone with useful information that could lead to the location and arrest of any of the criminals connected to the unfortunate killings, and the subsequent state of apprehension across the city of Aba and environs.” the state government further declared.
According to Kanu, the state government promised to cater for the welfare of the security personnel in the state, rising up to the task of supporting the families of the slain soldiers, including payment of regular stipends to their spouses, and the education of their children up to tertiary education level.
However, the state government lauded the of efforts of the Nigerian Army in the State for “maintaining high sense of professionalism in their response to the disturbing development as it will also encouraged the military and security personnel to continue to show restraint while they are engaged in other security duties, even as the government continues to work with all relevant stakeholders to help track down the perpetrators of the crime.
It added:” The government wishes to use this medium to encourage citizens to go about their legitimate duties without fear as necessary measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of residents, and businesses in all parts of Abia. Individuals with useful information on the activities and movement of criminals in their neighbourhood are also advised to share such information with the security agencies as quickly as possible for necessary action.”
The state government pleaded with traditional rulers to put in place suitable local intelligence gathering mechanisms in their localities, as the government vowed to support the security agencies in the State to protect lives and property and warned criminal elements to consider that as a “no-go area”.
“Any attempt to test the will of the government, as happened on Thursday, May 30, 2024, shall be resisted with every resource at the disposal of the State. Abia shall remain very hospitable and accommodating to all law-abiding citizens and those who engage only in legitimate businesses as defined by the laws of the federal republic of Nigeria while it shall continue to be a very hostile space for anyone whose actions or inactions, are capable of disrupting the peace and security of our communities,” the commissioner concluded.
