• Thursday, March 28, 2024
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Army condemns murder of two soldiers in Imo

The Nigerian Army has described as callous the murder of two soldiers allegedly by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN).

The reported killing of Audu Linus, a retired Master Warrant Officer (MWO), and Gloria Matthew (female), a private soldier in Imo, surfaced on social media.

The two soldiers were said to be traveling to Imo for their traditional marriage before their unfortunate demise.

The army headquarters reacted to the killing via a statement by the director of army public relations, Onyema Onyechukwu (Brig.-Gen), on Tuesday in Abuja.

Nwachukwu said the soldiers had embarked on the trip to fulfill the traditional marriage rites in accordance with Igbo tradition.

He said it was ironical that one of the soldiers, Matthew, who hailed from Nkwerre local government area of Imo did not prevail on the sensibility of the dissidents.

According to him, “this dastardly act, one too many, portends the deep-seated hate and lawlessness with which foot soldiers of IPOB/ESN have been unleashing terror on the people.”

He said the dissident group had been unleashing terror on Ndigbo, whom they claimed they were on a mission to protect and emancipate, as well as other innocent Nigerians resident in or transiting the Southeast.

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“This gruesome murder, in which they did not spare even their own child, clearly depicts callousness, impenitence, and a brazen act of terrorism perpetrated.

“Though the dissident groups have continued to live in denial while masquerading as unknown gunmen in their criminal violent campaign in the region, the Nigerian Army will ensure the perpetrators of this dastardly act do not go unpunished.

“While we deeply condole with the families, relations and close associates of the victims, the Nigerian Army has commenced investigation to unmask and bring the criminals to book.

“Members of the public are please enjoined to oblige security agencies actionable information that will lead to the arrest of these criminals,” he said.