Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has revealed that verifiable evidence about the murder of five soldiers in Aba on May 30, 2024, has begun to surface. The Governor, who discovered while visiting the 144 Battalion Osisioma in Abayi, near Aba, reiterated the State Government’s determination to find the culprits of the terrible murder. This is due to his forceful appeal to the Army not to unfairly punish innocent persons arrested in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Otti, who pointed accusing fingers at Abia State’s enemy of progress, stated that he came to bolster soldiers’ morale following the condemnable occurrence on May 30. “We’ve started receiving credible information. This intelligence compilation will continue, but I don’t want it to lower your spirit. We have all been working together to protect this State in the last year that I have been the Governor of the State, and I want to encourage you to continue your job and not get distracted.

“Based on solid intelligence accessible to us, I believe that this criminal conduct was committed by persons opposed to Abia’s progress and positive developments. One of the last things we want to do is make them happy by enabling them to distract us. So, we will get to the root of the matter and arrest everyone that is involved.”

The Governor, who established a scholarship for the children of the deceased troops, emphasized the State Government’s commitment not to desert the affected families. “I have also visited the wives of the five valiant officers who were ruthlessly slain in recent days.

As a State, we have committed to absorbing them, whether they are from the State or not. We have absorbed them as part of our State. All their children are now on scholarships and will remain on scholarships until they graduate from University. We will continue to support the widows and ensure that they have everything they need. “I want to assure you that this State will do everything possible to ensure that all of you are protected,” said Governor Otti.

The Governor urged the Army to continue its investigation, considering that some of those already arrested may be innocent. He pleaded emphatically that innocent persons should not be forced to suffer for things they know nothing about.

“I’m also aware that some people have already been apprehended, but when I met with the GOC this morning, he told me that almost everyone who was apprehended has been freed, with the exception of approximately nine or ten people who are currently being probed.

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“We, as a State, support a thorough inquiry, but we will also remind you that many innocent individuals whom you may encounter may not have been involved. I believe that the majority of them are not involved. It is perhaps plausible that people who committed this crime were not citizens of the State. So, whatever the case, we will not punish the innocent alongside the guilty because, as the saying goes, two wrongs cannot make a right. So, I would like to encourage you and appeal to your leaders to ensure that people are treated decently and given the utmost respect they deserve while we are fishing out the criminals.

“I just wanted to thank you again for your work in Abia. Thank you on behalf of the Abia State Government and its people. Continue with your work. “In the last year, criminal activity has decreased dramatically, which may be attributed to you. Most of the time, I drive about, sometimes at midnight, with little security, and I notice how alert you are. “So, stay alert; I don’t want anyone to become discouraged or have their spirits lowered. Once again, thank you for this chance, and I would want to assure you that at the end of the day, we will catch the culprits.”

Governor Otti informed the troops that he had come to grieve with them, encourage them, and assure them that the Abia State Government would continue to assist them as they carry out the onerous national duty of defending residents. “I came expressly to address you about the tragic occurrence that occurred a week ago at Obikabia Junction in Obingwa Local Government Area, near Aba.

“My name is Alex Otti, and I am the Governor of Abia State. As the State’s Chief Security Officer, I feel it is my responsibility to speak with you, commiserate with you, and boost your morale so that you don’t get discouraged and distracted by this unfortunate incident. The State has already placed a bounty of 25 million Naira on anyone with information that will lead to the arrest and prosecution of those involved.”