Abia State Governor Alex Otti made a morale-boosting visit on Thursday to officers and men of the 144 Battalion, Nigerian Army, stationed at Abayi, Aba. This visit followed his previous trip to the battalion, where he met with the wives of Army officers who were killed by unknown gunmen at Obikabia Junction.
Upon arrival, Governor Otti was received by the Commanding Officer, Major K.P. Duniya, on behalf of Brigadier General O.O. Diya, the Commander of 14 Brigade Ohafia, who later joined in welcoming the governor. Expressing his condolences, Governor Otti assured the troops of continued support from the Abia State government in their crucial role of safeguarding citizens.
“As the Chief Security Officer of the state, it is my responsibility to address you, offer my condolences, and ensure that your morale remains high, undeterred by this unfortunate incident,” stated Governor Otti.
He reminded the officers that his administration had placed a ₦25 million bounty on the killers of five soldiers at Obikabia Junction in Aba and noted that credible information regarding the incident was being received. Governor Otti reiterated the state’s commitment to providing scholarships up to the university level for the children of the slain army officers and support for their widows.
Acknowledging ongoing investigations, Governor Otti urged the Army to conduct thorough inquiries to avoid unjust punishment of innocent individuals.
“We, as a state, support a thorough investigation, but we will also appeal to you that a lot of innocent civilians who you will encounter may not have been involved. I believe that most of them are not involved. It is even possible that those who committed this crime came from outside the state. So whatever the case, we will not like to punish those who are innocent with those who are guilty because, as it is said, two wrongs cannot make a right,” Governor Otti emphasized.
He further encouraged the Army to uphold dignity and respect while carrying out their duties and urged leaders to ensure fairness in their treatment of individuals during investigations.
