The attention of Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has been drawn to the ongoing reprisal attacks on innocent citizens of Aba by security agents, following the killing of over 6 military officers by gunmen on the 30th of May, 2024.
The governor has also been called on to secure the immediate release of those unjustly detained, including vulnerable women and underage teenagers.
Gunmen had invaded the military personnel at Obikabia military checkpoint of Obingwa Local Government Area, killed about six of them, and set their vehicle ablaze, suspected of violating the sit-at-home order in the Southeast to mark the Biafran Heroes Day.
Reports across various media platforms indicated that following the unfortunate killing of soldiers, there have been severe retaliatory actions by the military.
These actions have led to widespread panic, destruction of property, and unwarranted arrests of innocent civilians, including young men and teenagers.
In a letter to the governor on Tuesday signed by Bar. Amaka Biachi, Cassius Ukwugbe Chuka Okoye on behalf of the Abia Civil Society Network, the group said it is compelled to draw the governor’s attention to the development.
“We, the Abia Civil Society Network (ACSON), would like to express our sincere appreciation to you for your prompt attention to the recent tragic incident, leading to the painful loss of Nigerian Army personnel on active service.
“In strong terms, we condemn the said dastardly act in its entirety and commend the support you have rendered thus far to the Nigerian Army, the families of the deceased, and the promises made to console the aforesaid aggrieved and grieving parties.
“We acknowledge the complexity and sensitivity surrounding the tragic loss of our military personnel in the said incident.
“However, collective punishment of the community is neither a just nor an effective response.
“The indiscriminate arrests and other violence-related incidents have exacerbated fear and instability within our commercial city, hence undermining the very fabric of community trust and safety that your administration seeks to uphold,” the group said.
They called for an immediate halt to any ongoing military operations that target civilians, stressing the need to ensure that any necessary security measures are conducted with strict adherence to human rights standards.
The group also called for the immediate release of all citizens including men, women, and defenseless teenagers, who have been arrested since the ugly incident took place without substantial evidence of wrongdoing.
“We also call for an independent committee in collaboration with relevant security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the raised issue and the subsequent military response.
