President Bola Tinubu has directed security agents to fish out killers of five military personnel in Abia State on Thursday.
The president also condemned as “barbaric and evil”, the killing of the soldiers by suspected militants of the proscribed separatist group, the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) in Aba, Abia State.
He urged security agencies to “fish out the masterminds and perpetrators” of the Aba attack as well as those ordering a stay-at-home, which he termed “a treasonable offence.”
Tinubu warned that current necessary restraints being exercised by security agents “should not be mistaken for weakness.”
LEADERSHIP recalls that the soldiers were on peacekeeping duties when they were murdered, just two months after a similar attack in Okuama, Delta State.
In a strongly-worded statement, Tinubu said these “unwarranted attacks” on security forces protecting citizens “stand condemned and should never be condoned or tolerated.”
He paid tribute to the hundreds of soldiers who have lost their lives fulfilling their duty to protect Nigerians.
The president vowed that the Federal Government will “come down heavily” on those attacking security personnel, declaring that on no account should anyone, under any guise, have the audacity to kill agents of state.
Tinubu made it clear that “the government and armed forces have the capacity to crush violent non-state actors making our communities unsafe.”
He declared, “We are working to build a peaceful society, but nobody should be under any illusion that the government will not act when the lives of our officers are wantonly taken.”
The President extended condolences to the bereaved families and urged security forces not to be discouraged by the “unfortunate incident.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to maintain peace and security across Nigeria.