After gunmen enforcing a sit-at-home order to mark Biafra Day killed five soldiers in Aba, Abia State, military authorities have been urged to exercise restraint and adhere to professional engagement rules to prevent innocent civilians from being punished for crimes they did not commit.
In separate reactions, key figures including the lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Ifeanyi Ejiofor; the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); former deputy governor of Abia State, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu; and former member representing Aba South in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Obinna Ichita, condemned the killings as heinous and barbaric.
Ejiofor, speaking on behalf of IPOB, distanced the organization from the attack and urged thorough investigation to identify the perpetrators. He emphasized the need for military restraint to prevent innocent civilians from being unfairly targeted.
Similarly, Ude Oko Chukwu expressed shock and sadness over the incident, urging the military not to retaliate to avoid collateral damage on innocent citizens.
Hon. Obinna Ichita condemned the attack as abominable and urged against the use of violence to achieve any goal. He appealed to the military leadership to ensure that personnel adhere to acceptable rules of engagement.
The PDP also condemned the attack, expressing regret that it occurred during efforts to maintain peace and stability in the country. The party urged the military to discerningly fish out the perpetrators without harming innocent civilians.
Meanwhile, Abia State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, assured that the law would take its course on the perpetrators. He described the incident as unfortunate, condemnable, and cowardly, pledging that everything would be done to prevent its recurrence. He urged residents to go about their lawful businesses without fear and to cooperate with security agencies.
