Tinubu Vows Firm Response to IPOB’s ‘Barbaric’ Killing of Five Soldiers in Aba

### President Tinubu Condemns Killing of Five Soldiers in Aba, Vows Firm Response

The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has expressed profound sorrow over the killing of five soldiers by suspected militants of the proscribed terrorist organization, IPOB, in Aba, Abia State. The tragic incident occurred on Thursday while the soldiers were on peacekeeping duty, marking a disturbing recurrence of violence just two months after a similar attack in Okuama, Delta State.

In a statement released this morning, President Tinubu condemned the “unwarranted, barbaric, and evil acts” perpetrated against the soldiers, emphasizing that such actions are intolerable and must be met with firm resistance. He highlighted the critical role of soldiers and police officers in safeguarding the nation from aggressors and criminal non-state actors, noting that many have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty and should not be subjected to such mindless violence.

“The federal government will come down heavily against those who have made it a habit to needlessly attack the officers and men of our armed forces,” President Tinubu stated. He stressed that no one should have the audacity to kill agents of the state, and reaffirmed the government’s capability to crush violent non-state actors threatening community safety.

The President called on security agencies to not only apprehend the masterminds and perpetrators of the Aba attack but also those inciting unrest through calls for people to stay at home, labeling their actions as treasonous. He urged the public not to mistake the security forces’ necessary restraint for weakness, emphasizing the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and harmony while taking decisive action against threats to the lives of officers and citizens.

Offering condolences to the families of the slain soldiers, their colleagues, and the armed forces’ leadership, President Tinubu encouraged those on peacekeeping duties to remain resolute despite the tragic events in Aba.

“I urge other men and women on peacekeeping duty not to be discouraged by the unfortunate incident in Aba,” he concluded.