President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a directive to the Nigerian Armed Forces to apprehend the masterminds and perpetrators behind the recent attack on soldiers in Aba, Abia State, in South-east Nigeria. He has also declared the actions of those advocating stay-at-home orders as a treasonable offense.
In a personal statement titled “President Tinubu’s Statement on the Killing of Soldiers in Aba,” the President unequivocally affirmed the government’s resolve and capacity to eliminate violent non-state actors threatening the peace of Nigerian communities.
“The government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the armed forces have the capacity to crush violent non-state actors, making our communities unsafe,” President Tinubu stated. He urged security agencies to not only identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for the Aba attack but also those issuing stay-at-home directives, labeling their actions as treason.
President Tinubu’s Full Statement:
PRESIDENT TINUBU’S STATEMENT ON THE KILLING OF SOLDIERS IN ABA
I have received the 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, just two months after a similar tragic incident occurred in Okuama, Delta State.
These unwarranted, barbaric, and evil acts are condemned in the strongest terms and must never be tolerated in our country. Our soldiers and police have the duty to protect us from aggressors and non-state actors. Many have paid the ultimate price in fulfilling their duty, while some have experienced indignities at the hands of those they protect. They do not deserve such mindless attacks by unruly elements within our society.
The federal government will take decisive action against those who habitually attack our armed forces. No one should have the audacity to kill state agents under any guise. The government and the armed forces have the capacity to crush violent non-state actors disrupting the peace in our communities.
I urge security agencies to fish out not only the masterminds and perpetrators of the Aba attack but also those calling for stay-at-home orders. Such actions are nothing short of treason. The restraint shown by security forces should not be mistaken for weakness. We aim to build a peaceful and harmonious society, but the government will act appropriately when the lives of our officers and men are wantonly taken.
My condolences go to the families of the five slain soldiers, their colleagues, and the leadership of our armed forces. I urge other men and women on peacekeeping duty not to be discouraged by this unfortunate incident in Aba.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu President and Commander-in-Chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria