*Abia Govt Declares N25m Bounty On Killers, Support For Victims’ Families

THERE is increasing tension in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, as troops have taken over the city, following the killing of five soldiers at a military checkpoint located at Obikabia Junction, Ogbor Hill, and burning of two patrol vans, by gunmen suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) enforcing the May 30 sit-at-home order to mark Biafra Day.

The Military High Command, in a statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen. Edward Buba, vowed to avenge the killing of the soldiers.

     The military said the slain soldiers, deployed to enforce peace in the state, were killed when some terrorists, who came in three Prado Toyota SUVs, attacked them at the checkpoint, adding that while investigations have since commenced on the attack, it would avenge the killing by launching overwhelming military pressure on the terrorists to ensure their total defeat.

The Nigerian Army explained: “Troops of OP UDO KA deployed at Obikabia Junction checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area, adjourning Aba metropolis in Abia State, were attacked and sadly killed by terrorists of IPOB/ ESN.

“The troops deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were mass-attacked by the terrorists. The terrorists, in three tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint, sprang a surprise attack on the checkpoint.

“The attack sadly took the lives of five personnel of the armed forces killed in action. The Armed Forces mourn the death of these troops as every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing concerning the attack.

“Overall, it must be reiterated that the lifeline of the terrorists is the people and this situation is no exemption. Winning the war without the support of the people is close to impossible. The IPOB capitalised on this to perpetrate attacks on the troops. The situation leaves more to be desired.

“Accordingly, it is imperative that the military retaliate against this dastardly act against troops. The military would be fierce in its response. We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat.”

Two military helicopters had reportedly hovered over the Ogbor Hill area and environs on Friday, May 31, with many residents staying indoors and those who ventured outside scampering to safety at the sight the patrol teams of soldiers.

The patrol teams had visited Cemetery, Ngwa road, Nsulu markets and other business centres and ordered traders to leave the areas, just as many schools remained shut, as parents withheld their children and wards from going to school, while those that opened closed before midday.

Residents of Umuola, Ukaegbu, Ehere, New Umuahia and Ururuka roads in Ogbor Hill and Obohia and Ohanku in Ndiegoro area and adjoining areas have remained indoors for fear of reprisal, as the fierce-looking soldiers barricaded the Aba -Umuahia section of the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway.

Passengers were made to alight at Arungwa, Umuekea, Isiala Ngwa and Ntigha junctions and trek across military checkpoints.

       Meanwhile, the Abia State Government has placed a N25million bounty on killers of five soldiers.

Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, said in a statement on Friday, May 31, said government considered the killing as “a serious affront” to its resolve to rid Abia of criminals, who he noted were determined to bring back the days of insecurity in the state.

“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.

“To underscore its resolve, the state government is offering a N25million 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,” he said.

    The commissioner said security agencies in the state had been directed to treat informants with confidentiality to guarantee their cooperation and assistance until the killers were arrested, assuring that the state government would respond appropriately to reassure residents and investors that the government could be relentless in prosecuting anyone or group that constitutes threat to peace and security in the state.

    The state government, while commiserating with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, and other military authorities over the incident, announced readiness to “take up the responsibility of supporting the families of the slain soldiers,” including the “payment of regular stipends to their spouses and the education of their children to university level.”

The government commended military officers and men of the Nigerian Army in the state for “maintaining a high sense of professionalism in their response to the very distressing event,” urging residents to go about their lawful businesses, assuring that necessary measures had been put in place to ensure their safety in the state.