In a firm response to the recent killing of five soldiers in Aba, Abia State, President Bola Tinubu has pledged that the federal government will take decisive action against individuals who habitually attack Nigeria’s armed forces.
This declaration came during an address in Abuja on Saturday evening, following the tragic incident allegedly involving the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In a personally written statement, President Tinubu emphasized that under no circumstances should anyone feel emboldened to kill state agents. He highlighted the government’s and armed forces’ robust capacity to suppress violent non-state actors who threaten community safety.
Reacting to the violence in the South East, Tinubu expressed his distress over the killing of the soldiers, who were on peacekeeping duty in Aba when they were ambushed. He linked this incident to a similar attack two months earlier in Okuama, Delta State, condemning these acts as barbaric and intolerable.
“Our soldiers and police officers are tasked with the critical duty of protecting all citizens from aggressors and non-state actors. Many have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, and some have faced the indignity of being attacked by the very people they protect. Such mindless violence against our security forces is unacceptable,” Tinubu stated.
The President vowed severe consequences for those attacking the military, reiterating that the government possesses the necessary strength to eliminate threats posed by violent non-state actors. He urged security agencies to identify and apprehend not only the perpetrators of the Aba attack but also those inciting civil unrest, labeling their actions as treasonous.
“The federal government’s restraint should not be misinterpreted as weakness. While we strive to build a peaceful and harmonious society, any assault on our officers will be met with appropriate action,” Tinubu warned.
He extended his condolences to the families of the slain soldiers, their colleagues, and the leadership of the armed forces, encouraging those on peacekeeping missions not to be demoralized by the recent events in Aba.
