President Bola Tinubu has expressed his strong determination that the federal government will take decisive action against individuals who habitually target Nigerian armed forces’ personnel.
In response to the killing of five soldiers in Aba, Abia State following a sit-at-home order given by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Tinubu issued a statement in Abuja on Saturday evening, emphasizing that no one should have the audacity to harm agents of the state under any circumstances.
He cautioned that the government and the armed forces have the capability to quell violent non-state actors to ensure the safety of communities.
Tinubu stated, "I received yet another distressing 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 when they were murdered, just two months after a similar tragic incident happened in Okuama in Delta state.
"These unwarranted barbaric and evil acts are condemned and should never be tolerated in our country. Our soldiers and the police have the solemn duty to protect all of us from aggressors and non-state actors. Hundreds of them have paid the ultimate price in fulfillment of their duty, while some have experienced the indignity of being manhandled by the people they protect. They surely do not deserve the mindless attacks by unruly elements in our society.
"The federal government will take firm action against those who habitually target the officers and men of our armed forces. Under no circumstances should anyone have the audacity to harm agents of the state. I want to make it clear that the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the armed forces have the capability to suppress violent non-state actors, making our communities unsafe.
"I urge security agencies not only to apprehend the masterminds and perpetrators of the Aba attack but also those inciting people to stay at home. Their actions are nothing but a treasonable offense.
"The fact that the security forces are exercising necessary restraints should not be mistaken for weakness. We are working to build a peaceful and harmonious society, but nobody should be under any illusion that the government will not act appropriately when the lives of our officers and men are wantonly taken.
"While offering my condolences to the families of the five slain soldiers, their colleagues, and the leadership of our armed forces, I encourage other men and women on peacekeeping duty not to be disheartened by the unfortunate incident in Aba."
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