Former Nigerian Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has condemned violence that led to the killing of soldiers and civilians in Abia State on Thursday.
The 2023 People’s Democratic Party Presidential candidate took to his social media platforms on Friday to extend his condolences to the families and friends of those who may have lost a loved one over the devastating incident.
He saddened over the impact of the Thursday’s sit-at-home in the Southeast region of the country on the day students writing WAEC examinations.
According to him, “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”, ex-Vice President said.
He emphasized that the veil of the so-called Unknown Gun Men hiding under cover to unleash death and mayhem must be lifted to ensure that criminal elements are separated from legitimate agitators.
To this end, Atiku called for the exploration of a political resolution to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu and other associated issues, believed that this will diffuse the compressor cooker situation in the region. “It will be a win-win for all parties”, he said.
It was reported that five soldiers were murdered by gunmen, while ensuring peace and protecting citizens as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) issued a sit-at-home order across the south-east, to mourn “our heroes and heroines” who died in the civil war between 1967 and 1970.
The Defence spokesman, Major General Edward Buba who confirmed the killing in a statement released said the attack took place at the Obikabia junction checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Areas adjourning Aba metropolis, where troops of Operation Udoka were deployed, to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens.