Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The immediate-past member representing Aba South state constituency at the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Obinna Ichita, has pleaded with the military not to revenge the killing of five soldiers in Aba on Thursday.
Ichita who is currently the Country Director/Principal Representative of the German Initiative for Knowledge Transfer eV, in Nigeria, described the attack as atrocious.
The ex-lawmaker expressed shock and sadness over the incident, describing the attack as barbaric and senseless.
Hon. Ichita said: “The attack on, and murder of military personnel in Obikabia near Aba is abominable and condemnable,” he wrote in a statement.
“This act is not a reflection of the culture of the people of Aba,” the ex-lawmaker added, while condemning “such act of barbarism.”
The statement further read: “I sympathise with the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff and service members of the Nigerian Army and the entire military over the senseless killing of their personnel. My heart goes out to the families of the fallen heroes.”
The 2023 deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, said that “anyone who attacks security operatives cannot safely claim to be a lover, defender or representative of the people in any modern democracy.”
Ichita condemned the use of violence to achieve any goal while urging the military to refrain from any reprisal military operation for the sake of innocent citizens who are usually adversely affected by such operations.
“I appeal to the leadership of the military and other security agencies to ensure that the personnel on ground do not go against acceptable rule of engagement.”
Ichita also urged Aba residents to assist in the efforts to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime.
He noted that Abia residents had maintained a cordial relationship with security agencies, and pleaded that the matter should not be escalated.
