Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has vowed that government will stop at nothing to track down anyone involved in the killing of five soldiers at Obikabia Junction last Thursday.
Governor Otti who stated this when he paid a condolence visit to the Headquarters of the 144 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Asa, Ukwa West LGA, to commiserate with the widows of the slain soldiers, condemned the dastardly act.
Gov Otti signing the condolence register during the visit
He announced a 25 million naira bounty for anyone with useful information leading to the apprehension of the criminals and also pledged to work closely with all security agencies in the state to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended.
“We as a government will continue to condemn this dastardly act, a very irresponsible act committed by criminals who do not want any good for society.
“It is very sad but then, it has happened and because it has happened, we will need to move on but we cannot move on without identifying those who are responsible.
“We will smoke out whoever is remotely connected to this killing, whoever they are, wherever they are, wherever they run to.
“We are going to work like we have always done with security agencies particularly the intelligence unit of the security agencies to ensure that we leave no stone unturned”, Gov Otti assured.
Widows of the slain soldiers
The Governor declared automatic scholarships for the children of the deceased soldiers up to university level, adding that he would ensure the commitment would be legalized by the state House of Assembly for continuity under future administrations.
He expressed his condolences to the Nigerian Army, the Brigade Commander, and the families of the deceased soldiers.
Earlier, the Brigade commander 14 Brigade Ohafia, Brigadier General Olusola Diya, confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.
He disclosed that two vehicles belonging to the Nigerian Army were burnt, weapons were carted away while 5 personnel lost their lives during the unfortunate attack.
The Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, were among other government officials who accompanied the Governor on the visit.
