Sons and daughters of South East extraction have condemned, in very strong terms, the killing of soldiers at a Military checkpoint in Aba, Abia State.
They urged the authorities to do everything within the bounds of law to apprehend the killers and bring them to deserved justice.
Recall that on May 30, 2024, some gunmen who were said to be enforcing the sit-at-home directive of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, opened fire on a military checkpoint in Obikabia junction in the Aba LGA, which led to the death of some soldiers.
The professionals operating under the canopy of Coalition of South East Professionals Network in Nigeria and Diaspora, on Thursday in a statement, signed by Prof O.C Madumere (National President); Mazi Uche Igbokwe (National Secretary), and Dr (Mrs) Chioma Maduka, (Coordinator, Women Wing) also condemned the sit-at-home orders.
The group stated that the Sit-at-Home order enforced by suspected members of IPOB and their security arm, the Eastern Security Network, have negative effect on the socio-economic wellbeing of the people.
They stated that aside from losing lives of innocent, hardworking Igbos, businesses have continued to suffer due to the activities of the secessionists.
They also charged the Finnish government, as well as the European Union, to immediately activate measures in the repatriation of a fugitive, Simon Ekpa, who have continued to denigrate the image and dignity of Nigeria.
The statement reads: “South East Professionals condemn in totality the mindless Sit-at-Home order declared and enforced by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and their militant arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“We regret to state that this development has continued to have negative effect on the socioeconomic and political lives of South East indigenes and residents, who suffer losses each time the aberration happens.
“As a people, we are known to be peaceful and hospitable, considering our entrepreneurial spirit, which makes us accommodating in every respect.
“It is noteworthy that whatever IPOB members are agitating for May have lost it’s steam and essence, against the backdrop of the fact that their brothers and sisters are the ones at the receiving end of their activities.
“Also deserving of our loud condemnation, is the recent attack on troops at a checkpoint in Aba, Abia State, resulting in the death of at least five soldiers, whose only “sin” was the protection of lives and property of indigenes.
“As a result of this dastardly act, and others across our states, we declare total support for Operation Udo Ka, and urge the Military to ensure that the enemies of South East are smoked out from wherever they may be hiding, and dealt with appropriately.
“We also use this opportunity to appeal to the government of Finland, and the European Union (EU), to repatriate the fugitive Simon Ekpa, who has continued to instigate violence from his hiding place, while disparaging the Nigerian State”.
Meanwhile, CSEPNND, tasked political authorities in the zone, especially Governors, federal, and state lawmakers, and Ministers, on the compelling need to support the military in its quest to restore peace and order across the South East geo-political entity.
The group also passed a vote of confidence in the Military High Command, led by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa.
“We are, by this statement, challenging our political office holders, especially Governors, Senators, members of House of Representatives, Ministers, and House of Assembly members, to show more commitment to the fight against insecurity, by providing funds and equipment to the military, and other security agencies operating in our land.
“There is the urgent need for South East states to set up internal security platforms, to complement the efforts of the military and other security agencies.
“We will not conclude without commending the untiring efforts made by the Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ogalla, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar Hassan, to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty against violation”.
