Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has increased the bounty for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the killing of five soldiers at Obikabia Junction, Aba, from N25 million to N30 million. This announcement was made during a meeting with military officials on Friday.
The meeting, which was held at the governor’s residence in Umuehim Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South, was attended by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, and the Commander of the 14 Brigade Ohafia, Brigadier General O.O. Diya.
The attack, which occurred on May 30, involved unknown gunmen who shot dead five soldiers and set fire to two patrol vans at a military checkpoint. Governor Otti emphasised that Abia State will not harbour terrorists, killers, kidnappers, or other criminals. He also noted that the increase in the bounty was funded by a donation from an Abia indigene living in the United States.
During a visit to the 144 Battalion Nigerian Army at Ngwa High School, Aba, Otti revealed that the government had started receiving credible intelligence regarding the incident. He assured the soldiers that the government would continue gathering intelligence and working to apprehend those responsible.
“We have started getting very credible information. This intelligence gathering will continue, but I do not want it to dampen your morale,” he said. “From credible intelligence available to us, this criminal act may have been executed by people who are opposed to the progress and the good things happening in Abia.”
The governor also visited the widows of the slain soldiers and promised to support their welfare and provide scholarships for their children until they graduate from university.
Governor Otti commended the Nigerian Army for its commitment to maintaining security in Abia and urged the soldiers to remain vigilant. He appealed to the army to ensure that their investigations do not unfairly target innocent civilians.
“We support thorough investigation, but we will also appeal to you that many innocent civilians you will encounter may not have been involved. It is even possible that those who committed this crime came from outside the state,” he added.
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