South East govs condemn deadly attack on soldiers at Aba checkpoint

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The South East Governors’ Forum has strongly condemned the attack that took place on Thursday morning at a checkpoint in Aba, Abia State, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the attack occurred at Obikabia Junction in Aba and was reportedly carried out by suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in an effort to enforce a sit-at-home order.

In addition to the attack, the assailants set fire to security patrol vehicles while enforcing the directive, which was intended to commemorate Biafra Day.

Speaking to journalists in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, on Thursday, the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, described the incident as “unfortunate.”

“On behalf of my brother governors in the South East Governors’ Forum, I condemn that incident and loss of the lives of soldiers who were on their duty posts.

“Without any provocation, they were attacked by the men of the underworld.

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“The unfortunate thing is that it is going to act as a major set back to the peace process being pursued by the governors from the zone with the Federal Government, security agencies and other critical stakeholders on how best to resolve the problem of security in the region,” he said.

According to him, the incident will also portray the people in a bad light, as if they do not have sympathy for human beings.

The governor condoled the Chief of Army Staff and the families of soldiers who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident.

“We here in the South East will ensure that we leave no stone unturned to ensure peace needed for development in the region,” he added.

Uzodimma urged security agencies to go all out to ensure that those behind the dastardly act were caught and prosecuted.

He noted that people of the South East, out of fear of the unknown and memories of the past, obeyed the directive of the proscribed group.

He urged them, particularly those in Imo, to find courage and understand that a lot had gone to providing security for them.

“We have peace in Imo; I want people to go about their businesses without fear of being molested by anyone.

“We are after the perpetrators. Those who think we shouldn’t live should not live,” he emphasised.

NAN