Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has called on the Federal Government to seek a political resolution to the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Atiku made this appeal while condemning the killing of soldiers during the recent sit-at-home exercise in Aba, Abia State.
Reports indicate that three soldiers from the 14 Brigade Headquarters of the Nigerian Army, Ohafia, attached to the 144 Battalion, were killed in an attack by unknown gunmen at an army outpost located at Obikabia junction, off Umuola in Aba North local government area.
The incident occurred during a sit-at-home order that significantly disrupted activities in the region.
In a statement posted on his X handle on Friday, Atiku expressed his condolences to the families of the slain soldiers and criticized the violence that led to their deaths. He also highlighted the adverse effects of the sit-at-home order on the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams in the Southeast.
“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,” Atiku said.
He emphasized the need to distinguish between criminal elements and legitimate agitators within the region, stating, “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.”
Atiku proposed a political solution to Kanu’s detention and related issues, suggesting that it could help ease tensions in the Southeast. “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,” he added.
