South East Development Peace Initiative has declared the recent killing of soldiers in Okuama community in Delta State as unacceptable
In a statement signed by its President, Hon Vitus Okechi the Federal Government must set example with the perpetrators.
The group noted that any attack on security personnel was a direct threat to public order and the rule of law and an offence that was worse than treason.
It said such attacks were unacceptable and must be condemned by all well-meaning citizens, stressing that an example must be set with the perpetrators so as to dissuade a repeat of the dastardly act.
Okechi described the attack on military personnel as a threat to the existence of the Nigerian state.
According to him, “the gruesome murder of the 16 officers and soldiers is a crime of monumental proportion, worse than treason.”
“No serious government in the world will keep quiet and allow non-state actors to not only use violence against civilians but also against its armed forces to the extent of killing colonels and majors to go scot-free,” he added.
The former Enugu Commissioner and Local Government Chairman noted that Nigeria has been a fragile country divided along ethno-religious lines affecting virtually every fibre of the society, adding that “the military remained the only institution that has kept the country united.
“They have their own challenges, but just go to any military barrack, and you will see unity and patriotism on display.
“We should not allow this unique institution that is strategic to the collective survival of Nigeria to be desecrated.
“The perpetrators of this heinous act must be fished out and punished.
“It should not be tolerated by Nigerians and any sane society.
“For a nation already combating high levels of insecurity, the killing of its security personnel, who put their lives on the line for the nation, would be too much a burden to bear.
“These security operatives are making a lot of sacrifices in their line of duty and, in some cases, pay the supreme price.
“As citizens and stakeholders in the Nigerian project, we must all be deliberate in appreciating and valuing them and the humongous sacrifices they make in protecting Nigerians.
“I must outrightly say without mincing words and fear of contradiction that the killing no doubt is barbaric, cruel and totally unacceptable and should not be tolerated by Nigerians and any sane society”.
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