A non-governmental organization, Ayudantes Empowerment Initiative (AEI) on Thursday urged the Armed forces of Nigeria to use everything within the ambit of the law to ensure that those attacking and killing its personnel do not go unpunished.
The Group made the call at a World Press conference with theme “Stop deliberate attacks on our troops!!” on Thursday in Abuja.
Executive Director, AEI, Amechi Chuks Oyema who read the Groups position described the deliberate killing of military personnel as unfortunate, inhuman and undeserving for people that have laid their lives for our country.
He said “We strongly condemn what is gradually becoming a norm, attacks on members of the Armed forces of Nigeria.
“It has been going on, but it is time Nigerians speak out against this barbaric attitude of some of our citizens towards members of the AFN.
“Just recently, a commanding officer, two majors, a captain, and 13 others, were ambushed and murdered on 14 March, while responding to the crisis between Okoloba and Okuama communities which had allegedly been engaged in an aged-long land dispute.
“May 18th this year, there was a mob attack on personnel of the Armed forces of Nigeria here in Banex Plaza. No matter what, we saw on national television how soldiers were being manhandled.
“Just last week, terrorists of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Abia State killed five personnel at 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.
“Also, on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, reports had it that suspected phone snatchers murdered a Nigerian soldier, identified as Lt. IM Abubakar in the Unguwan Sarki area of Kaduna State.
We are here to say today that this is unfortunate, inhuman and undeserving for people that have laid their lives for our country.
“Ayudantes Empowerment Initiative is today saying this must stop. We can’t continue to engage in demoralising activities, especially against troops that are making sacrifices for the peace and stability of our country.
“Our troops, the Army, the Navy and Air Force under the supervision of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Chris Musa have ably dealt with security threats across the country.
“We commend the military for showing restrain in the face of blatant provocations by not embarking on reprisal in the senseless Killings of its personnel in Okuama and Aba and attack on soldiers at Bannex Plaza in Abuja.
“We however, call on the military authority to go to whatever length possible within the ambit of the law to ensure that those who committed these heinous crimes do not go unpunished.
“Nigerians must learn to respect and honor men and women in uniform especially military personnel.
“This because there is no higher honour than serving in the military. These are men and women that sacrifice their lives in defence of our territorial integrity. An attack on them is an attack on Nigeria!!.”
