The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate from last year’s general elections, Peter Obi, and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Atiku Abubakar, have condemned the attack in Abia State that claimed 11 lives.
Five soldiers and six civilians were killed in Aba on Thursday when gunmen stormed the military unit at Obikabia Junction in the Ogbor Hill area, setting fire to the unit and a parked patrol van. Some soldiers reportedly escaped the attack.
A day after the incident, Atiku and Obi issued separate statements on their X handles condemning the attack.
Obi described the attack as a dastardly act and noted that it is a stark reminder of the escalating insecurity plaguing the nation.
“I am appalled and saddened by the attack on our brave soldiers in Abia State yesterday, resulting in the death of five soldiers,” he said.
“This dastardly act remains condemnable as it is a stark reminder of the escalating insecurity and violence that has continued to plague our nation under our collective watch.”
I am appalled and saddened by the attack on our brave soldiers in Abia State yesterday, resulting in the death of five soldiers. This dastardly act remains condemnable as it is a stark reminder of the escalating insecurity and violence that has continued to
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) May 31, 2024
He also extended his condolences to the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, the families of the slain soldiers, and the entire people of the state.
Obi urged Nigerian authorities to take decisive actions to prevent further bloodshed in the country.
“I condemn this atrocity in strong terms and demand an immediate and thorough investigation into this crime in order to identify and punish the culprits. We must not stand idly by while our nation is torn apart by violence and fear.
“Our failure as a nation to protect our citizens and security personnel is a clear dereliction of duty and a sign of deficiency of the Nigerian state. The continued brutality and bloodshed in our nation must be met with swift and decisive action, not empty words and hollow promises,” he added.
To Atiku, the Federal Government should “ensure that criminal elements are separated from legitimate agitators.
Political Solution
While mourning the victims of the attack, Atiku wants the President Bola Tinubu administration to proffer a political solution to the case involving the embattled leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
“The violence that led to the killing of soldiers and civilians in Abia State on Thursday stands condemned. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who may have lost a loved one. May their souls rest in peace.
“But even more profound is the impact of yesterday’s sit-at-home in the Southeast region of our country on students writing WAEC examinations.
“To this end, without prejudice to the ongoing legal processes, I think the time has come to explore a political resolution to the Nnamdi Kanu and other associated issues. I believe that this will defuse the compressor cooker situation in the region. It will be a win-win for all parties,” he said.
The violence that led to the killing of soldiers and civilians in Abia State on Thursday stands condemned. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who may have lost a loved one. May their souls rest in peace. But even more profound is the impact of…
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) May 31, 2024
Kanu faces a 15-count terrorism charge brought by the Nigerian government. He has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his return from Kenya on June 19, 2021.
His initial arrest was in October 2015 upon his arrival in Nigeria from the UK. Subsequently, he was granted bail but fled the country following a security raid on his home in 2017.
In December, the Supreme Court mandated a new trial for Mr. Kanu at the Federal High Court in Abuja, dismissing his appeal against his forced return from Kenya in June 2021.
In April 2022, the high court dismissed eight of the 15 charges against him.
However, the entire legal process was nullified by the Court of Appeal due to the Nigerian government’s breach of both domestic and international laws in Kanu’s repatriation from Kenya.
Consequently, the appellate court ordered his immediate release. Subsequently, the Supreme Court directed a fresh trial.