Minister of State for Defence Dr Muhammed Bello Matawalle has described as barbaric and abominable, the killing of five soldiers on lawful duty at Obikabia Junction in Obingwa local government area of Abia State by suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and their armed wing, Eastern Security Network (IPOP/ESN).
The minister in a statement by the director of information in the ministry of defence, Henshaw Ogubike, further described the killing as totally reprehensible and disheartening, vowed that those responsible for the act would be brought to justice.
He said: “The brutal assassination of the soldiers in Aba was without any provocation while on a lawful duty, protecting innocent citizens against the threat of non-state actors”.
He condoled families of the deceased personnel and the Nigerian military, urging the troops not to be deterred.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the military in their effort to defeat IPOB, ESN and other criminals in other regions of the country to ensure total security in the nation.
The minister emphasised the crucial role of local communities in combating terrorism, urging citizens to provide information that could aid military operations against terrorist groups and to keep faith with Nigeria.
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