The Labour Party leadership has urged the Nigerian Army to focus on apprehending the killers of five soldiers deployed to Abia State during the Biafran Day celebration, emphasizing the need to avoid harming innocent civilians.
This appeal was made in a statement issued on Sunday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh.
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The call comes after an attack on Thursday, confirmed by the military, where gunmen suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) killed five soldiers in Abia State.
The attackers reportedly used three tinted Toyota Prado SUVs and launched a surprise assault from built-up areas around a checkpoint.
Condemning the brutal killing, Ifoh urged the military to target the actual perpetrators to prevent collateral damage to innocent and law-abiding citizens.
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The Labour Party also praised Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for his commitment to bringing the culprits to justice and for announcing a N25 million bounty on those responsible for the crime.
Ifoh stated, “While we commiserate with the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, and the entire military command on the unfortunate incident and pray for the repose of the souls of the gallant heroes, we are concerned by the military’s threat to avenge the soldiers’ deaths. We urge the military to be professional in their approach to avoid further loss of innocent lives.”
He continued, “Unknown gunmen, or whatever names they choose to bear, do not deserve to be spared. They have caused untold pain to the South East and deserve to be wiped out. However, the military’s response must be measured and targeted at these elements alone.”
Ifoh highlighted that Abia has been the most peaceful state in the South East due to the state government’s efforts to eliminate criminal elements over the past year. He urged the military not to let this incident reverse the progress made.
“The military’s threat to retaliate with overwhelming pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat is justified. However, it has the potential to cause a humanitarian crisis if the retaliation is indiscriminate. Reports from Aba and its environs are alarming, as youths and young men are reportedly fleeing the area for fear of their lives,” Ifoh added.
The Labour Party’s statement underscores the need for a targeted and professional response from the military to avoid escalating violence and causing further harm to innocent civilians.
