BREAKING: Tinubu spits fire over killing of soldiers in Abia

President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to pursue the perpetrators responsible for the killing of five soldiers in Aba, Abia State, as well as those behind the call for sit-at-home protests in the South-East.

In a statement issued on Saturday night, President Tinubu condemned the recent murder of the soldiers, believed to have been carried out by elements associated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). He emphasized that the Federal Government will not tolerate attacks on state agents and will respond forcefully to such actions.

“I have received yet another disheartening news of the killing of five soldiers by suspected militants of the proscribed terrorist organization, IPOB. The slain soldiers were on peacekeeping duty in Aba, Abia State, on Thursday, May 30, when they were murdered, just two months after a similar tragic incident occurred in Okuama, Delta State,” the statement read.

“These unwarranted, barbaric, and evil acts are condemned and will never be condoned in our country. Our soldiers and police have the vital duty of protecting us from aggressors and non-state actors. Hundreds have paid the ultimate price in fulfilling their duty, while some have suffered indignities from the very people they protect. They do not deserve mindless attacks by unruly elements in society.”

President Tinubu reiterated that the federal government will take stringent actions against those habitually attacking military personnel. “On no account should anyone, under any guise, have the audacity to kill agents of the state. The government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the armed forces can crush violent non-state actors making our communities unsafe.”

He urged security agencies to apprehend not only the masterminds and perpetrators of the Aba attack but also those instigating sit-at-home orders, labeling their actions as treasonable offenses.

“The fact that the security forces exercise necessary restraints should not be mistaken for weakness. We are working to build a peaceful and harmonious society, but nobody should be under any illusion that the government will not act appropriately when the lives of our officers and men are wantonly taken.”

The President expressed condolences to the families of the five slain soldiers, their colleagues, and the leadership of the armed forces, urging other peacekeeping personnel not to be disheartened by the incident in Aba.