Army questions more than 100 suspects in the killing of Aba troops

Troops looking into the killings of their colleagues in Abia State have detained over 100 individuals, according to information obtained by Saturday Punch.

On May 30, it was reported that some suspected members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra who were implementing the sit-at-home order killed the soldiers in the Obingwa local area of Abia state.

The governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, then made a N25 million offer to any locals who could provide information that resulted in the culprits’ arrest.

But last week, when Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, paid the governor a visit, the governor revealed that N5 million had been added to the reward by a distinguished stateman who was living outside.

The Military promised to avenge the attack on its men after the soldiers were killed.

“The situation leaves more to be desired. Accordingly, it is absolutely imperative that the military retaliate against this dastardly act against troops.

“The military would be fierce in its response. We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat,” a statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Buba Edward after the incident read.

According to Saturday PUNCH, troops have stepped up their operations by storming and clearing IPOB/ESN camps in the Umudi Forest and Umuaku sections of Umunneochi Local Government Area in order to track down the individuals who have killed their colleagues. They are working in tandem with other security agencies.

The forces carried out multiple raids and operations in the state as part of their probe, according to a source with direct knowledge of the operations who begged to remain anonymous because he is not allowed to speak to media.

About 100 individuals had reportedly been taken into custody in a number of operations, the source claimed, adding that the innocent were being freed.

“Troops have been conducting raids and operations in the Local Government Area our men were killed. We have attacked them in their hideouts and killed some of the IPOB terrorists. Since the day we started the operations arrested a lot of person, let say about 100.

“Those arrested have no reason to be afraid except they have a hand in the deaths of our men. They would be freed after we profile them and we find out they are innocent. Some have been freed and more might be freed if they are innocent,” the source said.

In response to a request for comment, the Director of Defence Media Operations said that a number of people had been initially arrested but that the innocent have since been freed.

He said that at least ten people were still being held and that they had been helping the military with their investigation.

Buba swore that anyone found guilty would suffer the consequences of the law.