Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s standard-bearer in the 2023 presidential election, has appealed for a political solution to the ongoing detention of Nnamdi Kanu, the controversial IPOB leader, seeking a diplomatic end to the impasse.
The plea for a political solution followed the tragic killing of soldiers in Aba, Abia State, during the sit-at-home protest called by IPOB across the Southeast on Thursday, highlighting the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.
The former Vice-President roundly denounced the violence, advocating for a political approach to address Kanu’s treason charges, which would help mitigate the current tensions and promote a more peaceful atmosphere in the region.
‘The violence that led to the killing of soldiers and civilians in Abia State on Thursday stands condemned.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who may have lost a loved one. May their souls rest in peace. But even more profound is the impact of yesterday’s sit-at-home in the Southeast region of our country on students writing WAEC examinations.
“The veil of the so-called Unknown Gun Men hiding undercover to unleash death and mayhem must be lifted to ensure that criminal elements are separated from legitimate agitators.
“To this end, without prejudice to the ongoing legal processes, I think the time has come to explore a political resolution to the Nnamdi Kanu and other associated issues. I believe that this will diffuse the compressor cooker situation in the region. It will be a win-win for all parties,” Atiku wrote on X on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Military High Command promised to bring overwhelming military pressure on IPOB over the killing of the five soldiers.
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In a statement released on Friday, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, warned that the military would respond to the heinous act with unyielding force, determined to bring the group to its knees beneath an unrelenting barrage of military might.
The troops of Operation UDO KA stationed at the Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area, adjacent to Aba metropolis in Abia, suffered a tragic loss when they were ambushed and killed by IPOB/ESN militants.