The Abia State government has announced a N25 million reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the killing of five soldiers at Obikabia junction, Ogbor Hill, Aba.
On May 30, 2024, unknown gunmen attacked a military checkpoint, killing five soldiers, burning two patrol vans, and seizing rifles before escaping.
In a statement, Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu condemned the attack, expressing condolences to the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, and the Military High Command.
The statement read, “As a government committed to security, safety and peace within its territory at all times, 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. 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 commitment to security, the state government is offering a N25 million reward for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.
The government has also directed security formations to treat informants with confidentiality.
The state government further pledged to support the families of the slain soldiers, including providing stipends to their spouses and funding their children’s education to university level.
“The government appreciates the officers and men of the Nigerian Army in the State for maintaining a high sense of professionalism in their response to the distressing event. The State will also encourage our military and security personnel to continue to show restraint, whether at the checkpoints, on patrol, or while engaged in other security duties, even as the government continues to work with all relevant stakeholders, including the security high commands, traditional and community leaders to gather and process all intelligence information which will ultimately lead to the capture of the perpetrators of the heinous crime at Obikabia Junction, and anyone directly or remotely connected to it in any form.”
The government reassured residents of their safety, urging them to go about their daily activities without fear and to report any suspicious activities to security agencies.
Traditional rulers were also encouraged to establish local intelligence mechanisms and share information with security agencies regularly.
“Any attempt to test the will of the government, as happened on Thursday, May 30, 2024, shall be resisted with every resource at the disposal of the State. Abia shall remain very hospitable and accommodating to all law-abiding citizens and those who engage only in legitimate businesses as defined by the laws of the federal republic of Nigeria while it shall continue to be a very hostile space for anyone whose actions or inactions, are capable of disrupting the peace and security of our communities.”
The government warned criminal elements to steer clear of Abia, emphasizing that any threats to peace and security would be met with full force.
