Government of Abia State has announced a reward of N25 million for information leading to the capture of the individuals responsible for the deaths of five soldiers in the state.
Gatekeepers News reports that the soldiers, reportedly killed by suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), were enforcing a sit-at-home order at Obikabia junction in Aba on May 30.
The directive for the sit-at-home order was issued by IPOB to commemorate Biafra Day.
The army has expressed its intention to avenge the soldiers’ deaths.
Okey Kanu, the Commissioner for Information in Abia, has condemned the attack on the soldiers by the suspected separatists.
“The Abia state government considers the event of Thursday, May 30, 2024, a serious affront to its resolve by criminal elements who are hell-bent on returning Abia to the dark days of insecurity and fear amongst citizens, especially in Aba, the economic heartbeat of the state,” the statement reads.
“This is more regrettable in the light of the fact that unprecedented investments have been made in the last one year to restore the city’s public infrastructure and reposition it as an attractive investment destination for local and foreign businesses.
“To underscore its resolve, the state government is offering a N25 million (twenty-five million naira) reward to anyone with useful information that could lead to the location and arrest of any of the criminals connected to the unfortunate killings and the subsequent state of apprehension across the city of Aba and environs.
“The security formations in the state have been directed to treat informants with all the confidentiality required to guarantee their full cooperation and assistance until the criminals are fully apprehended and brought to book.
“Furthermore, the Abia state government will, in line with its commitment to the welfare of the security operatives working within its territory, take up the responsibility of supporting the families of the slain soldiers, including payment of regular stipends to their spouses and the education of their children to university level.”
