Soldiers killed in Owerri -Umuahia Expressway, FENRAD urges Govt to act

Stanley Ihedigbo

Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), has strongly condemned the killing of two soldiers by gunmen alleged to be members of the armed wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Eastern Security Network (ESN) close to the Owerri-Umuahia expressway.

They urged the Government to act before things get out of hand.

According to the Executive Director of the group, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, they commiserated these deaths and sent their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and all those affected by this dastardly incident.

“It is important to stress that every life matters to us and that as a matter of right, life should not be forcefully or gruesomely taken, civilian or military. The Foundation equally condoles with the Nigerian Army and calls for an investigation into this despicable act.

“Following the incessant killings the military has had to suffer, especially in Aba, it is now ideal to remove certain roadblocks and checkpoints that may be soft targets for armed non-state actors. Our soldiers are not expendable humans to be used for target practice by faceless groups under whatever guise. The Foundation hopes the military leadership takes note and acts accordingly.

“Having hitherto called for the installation of CCTV and street cameras on the streets and roads to help in tracking and rounding up criminal elements that have sworn to make Abia unlivable, FENRAD renews that call as it passionately appeals to the state government under the leadership of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, the chief security officer of Abia State, to intervene in this matter,” he stressed.

He further said that securing the lives and properties of citizens and residents must take a new measure in Abia, not the old way, which exposes troops, contingents, and formations to ungodly forces where they end up as casualties.

“The Foundation believes it is time to rejig security operations in Abia by transiting to technology, beefing up and improving intelligence. Things must not continue the same way.

“Aware that no reprisals can solve the problem or return the dead, the Foundation calls for calm and urges the Nigeria Army, especially the men and personnel of Operation Udoka, to continue conducting themselves in the best professional way as the Foundation believes that this challenge shall be overcome,” he emphasized.