Nigerian House of Representatives Calls for In-Depth Investigation into Soldier Murders

 ABUJA—The House of Representatives has directed security agencies to launch a thorough investigation into the recent murders of soldiers by unidentified gunmen.

In response to an urgent motion by Representative Abubakar Yalleman, the House mandated its Defence committees to work closely with the Armed Forces to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attacks. Yalleman expressed deep concern over the brutal killings of military personnel on peace missions, describing the incidents as increasingly frequent and troubling.

Meanwhile, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) criticized President Bola Tinubu's alleged directive for military retaliation following the killing of soldiers in Abia State. According to Yalleman, these attacks on military personnel typically involve ambushes at checkpoints and during patrols, undermining the morale of the armed forces and threatening national security.

Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, condemned the assaults on military formations, highlighting the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces. He praised President Tinubu for his swift action in demanding justice for the slain soldiers. Similarly, Yusuf Gagdi, Chairman of the House Committee on Navy, voiced concerns about the safety of those serving the country amid ongoing efforts to combat insecurity.

IPoB, through its Media and Publicity Secretary Emma Powerful, denounced the President's call for retaliation as reckless. The group asserted its non-involvement in the soldier killings, suggesting the attacks were intended to discredit IPoB on a day dedicated to commemorating their heroes and heroines.

In a statement, IPoB condemned the murder of the soldiers and called for an independent investigation to uncover the true perpetrators. They criticized the Nigerian government for hastily attributing the crime to them without proper inquiry, framing it as a premeditated attempt to malign IPoB and the Igbo community.

The Nigerian Army also refuted allegations of mass killings in the South-East, dismissing claims made by Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed IPoB leader. Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, clarified that the accusations were baseless and intended to incite unrest. The Army's investigation revealed that the troops in the viral video were actually Nigerian Navy personnel conducting routine weapon tests, not engaged in any mass killings as alleged.

The Army reassured the public of its commitment to peace and security, urging citizens to seek accurate information and reject attempts to incite violence. They reiterated their dedication to protecting all Nigerians and maintaining stability in the South-East region.