One of the soldiers killed by unknown gunmen in Abia state on Thursday was Corporal Lucky Ikechukwu Ikpeama, an Abia indigene who survived five years official posting to Maiduguri, only to get killed in his own state.

According to a source close to the military in Abuja, such insensitive attack against military personnel who are risking their lives to keep citizens safe seriously dampens many soldiers’ morale as they are prepared to die battling terrorists rather than being attacked by those they are protecting.

Although the Abia State Government placed a N25 million bounty on perpetrators of the killing which occurred around 7:45 am at Obikabia Junction, in the Ogbor Hill area of Abia State, IPOB activist in the Diaspora, Simon Ekpa is accusing the state government-sponsored vigilantes of being behind the killing.

In a statement under his social media handles on X, Simon Ekpa alleged that it was government that has been killing those he described as ‘ Biafra young men and women in Abia state’.

“The Biafra government hereby wish to announce that all vigilante in Abia state under Nigeria state establishment is banned, effective from tomorrow 29.5.2024.

“The government of Biafra has mandated the BDF to hunt for the terrorists and the killers immediately to avert another tragedy.

“We can’t allow your terrorism to stay overnight. A new front is therefore opened in Abia State. We call on Biafra to stay away from any Vigilante.

“In addition to this measure, there will be a special lockdown in Abia state, this lockdown to be announced in later day,” he stated.

In a reaction to the killings, former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar condemned it and urged the Federal Government to explore a political strategy for resolution of Biafran activist, Nnamdi Kanu’s ongoing trial.

According to Atiku whose comments were posted on X, it is the only way to defuse the tension in the Soith East.

“The violence that led to the killing of soldiers and civilians in Abia State on Thursday stands condemned; my thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who may have lost a loved one, may their souls rest in peace.

“But even more profound is the impact of yesterday’s sit-at-home in the Southeast region of our country on students writing WAEC examinations.

“The veil of the so-called Unknown Gun Men hiding under cover to unleash death and mayhem must be lifted to ensure that criminal elements are separated from legitimate agitators.

“To this end, without prejudice to the ongoing legal processes, I think the time has come to explore a political resolution to the Nnamdi Kanu and other associated issues; I believe that this will defuse the compressor cooker situation in the region. It will be a win-win for all parties,” Atiku stated. (The Nation)

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