Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has strongly condemned the attack on a military checkpoint in Aba, Abia State, which resulted in the death of four soldiers. The attack, which occurred on Thursday at Obikabia junction in Ogbor Hill area, was carried out by yet-to-be identified assailants.
Kalu described the killing of the military personnel as “unwarranted, outrageous, unjust, cruel, and absolutely condemnable.” He urged the people of Aba to reject the idea of a sit-at-home order, which he believes is not in their best interest. Instead, he encouraged them to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit and technical skills, which have made Aba a commercial hub in the South East.
The deputy speaker reminded the people that Aba is a cosmopolitan city, hosting individuals from diverse backgrounds, and therefore, violence is alien to their culture. He appealed to the people to support the government’s efforts to restore peace in the region, championed by the Peace in South East (PISE-P) initiative.
Kalu commiserated with the families of the victims and assured the military hierarchy of legislative interventions to uncover the masterminds behind the attack and prevent future occurrences. He sued for peace among the people and the Nigerian armed forces, emphasizing the need for harmony and cooperation to ensure the development and prosperity of the South East region.
This attack comes at a time when efforts are being made to address the rising wave of insecurity in the region. The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown unusual interest in the development of the South East, and Kalu urged the people to support these efforts to avoid affecting the fortunes of the region.