Orubibiye Opuda VI of Abonnema, a traditional ruler in Abonnema, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, Alabo Tonye Douglas, has decried the fleeing of over 5,000 residents of Abonnema following fears of reprisal from the Nigerian Army.
The traditional ruler also begged the Nigerian Army for forgiveness.
Recall that two soldiers were killed at the border between Abonnema and Obonnoma on Saturday by gunmen said to be illegal refinery operatives.
The killing sparked fear of reprisal leading to residents leaving the town in droves.
But Douglas, a former Minister of Sports, who spoke in Port Harcourt, apologised to the military and the Federal Government to forgive the community over the death of the soldiers and stop attacks in the area.
He described the killing of the soldiers as unfortunate, blaming some misguided political gladiators in the area on the development.
He said, “What happened during the Presidential and National Assembly elections in Abonnema is unfortunate and we totally apologiae to the Federal Government and the Army.
“In this case of Abonnema, there was huge importation of thugs into the community, causing the security men who were trying to provide security to become casualties.
“We beg the Army to temper justice with mercy. The development has made things difficult. The cost of living has soared. We are encouraging our people to stay, but our people are still leaving the community because of fear of reprisal.”
He urged the FG and the Army to investigate the incident critically and prosecute those behind the killings in the area.
“The military is a peaceful and disciplined group, that are slow to anger, with strict adherence to its rules of engagements, but when provoked in some peculiar situations, no one can predict their actions.
“Accordingly, the case in question leading to casualties and loss of lives of soldiers in Abonnema imbroglio must be thoroughly investigated and culprits adequately punished without consideration of status and position in the community.”
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