Sit-at-home: Abia soldiers killed, Igbo land desecrated - Kanu's attorney

Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the Lead Counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra, has denounced the shooting of soldiers at an Aba, Abia State, checkpoint.

The event was called a “desecration of Igbo land on a holy day” by Ejiofor.

Ejiofor demanded in a press release on Saturday that the “heinous crime” be thoroughly investigated. He also urged security personnel to act with the utmost caution and in accordance with the standards of professional conduct so as to prevent punishing the innocent for an offense they are unaware of.

It would be absurd to ascribe the commission of the atrocious deed to the Indigenous People of Biafra, he clarified, adding that those who committed the “heinous crime” were enemies of Biafra and Biafrans.

He said, “I roundly condemn in unmistaken terms, the unprovoked attack on military personnel at a checkpoint in Aba, Abia State on the 30th day of May 2024. While we pray for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in this dastardly act, carefully perpetuated by the real enemies of Biafra and Biafrans, I urge for all hands to be on deck to ensure that those responsible for this heinous attack are fished out.

“Unfortunately, the victims of the envisaged reprisal attacks and/or arrests from the soldiers would be innocent citizens who know absolutely nothing about the incident. While we encourage a thorough investigation of this heinous crime, we shall at the same time, urge the Soldiers and other security agents to exercise the greatest restraint and operate within the acceptable rules of professional engagement, to avoid punishing the innocent for an offence they know nothing about.

“Furthermore, it is unreasonable to attribute the commission of this dastardly act to the Indigenous People of Biafra, whom I am its Lead Counsel, even before any investigation has been conducted.”

He noted that despite their quest for a Sovereign State of Biafra, IPOB has maintained peace in the state.

“IPOB has maintained its peaceful stance in their self-determination quest for the Sovereign State of Biafra and has at all times, distanced itself from the activities of the criminals claiming to be freedom fighters, who have publicly taken responsibility for this heinous crime.

“Whatever evil motive behind the actions of the evil souls that perpetuated this evil act, has no justification under any circumstance and stands totally condemned. The long arms of the law must surely catch up with those responsible for this heinous crime!”

Five soldiers lost their lives on Thursday at an Army roadblock in the state’s Aba region.

The soldiers were reportedly ambushed at the checkpoint by some militants who arrived in three Prado Toyota SUVs. The soldiers had been sent in to maintain calm in the state.

In a statement released on Friday, the military authorities promised that the assassins of the fallen soldiers would be found and dealt with.