Soldier killed in Aba as tensions rise after Nnamdi Kanu’s life sentence
Story by Okafor Vivian
A Nigerian soldier has been murdered in Aba, Abia State, just a day after the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment for terrorism.
The slain soldier, identified as Lance Corporal David, was reportedly attacked last Friday while visiting his family at Ngwa Road in Aba. According to SaharaReporters, he was on pass and had returned home when gunmen stormed his father’s house around 2pm and killed him.
“He was on pass, so he decided to visit his relatives in Aba. He was killed a day after the life sentence given to Nnamdi Kanu,” a military source said. Another source revealed that David had been on sick leave: “Unknown gunmen went to his father’s house and murdered him.”
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Soldiers serving in the area have been warned to remain vigilant and wear mufti when not on official duty. Security personnel traveling to the South East were also cautioned to stay alert, avoid unnecessary movements, and prioritize personal safety.
Kanu’s conviction on seven terrorism-related charges by Justice James Omotosho has sparked widespread criticism across the South East. The region has experienced heightened insecurity in recent years, with armed groups carrying out abductions, killings, and attacks on security personnel and government institutions.
Although the Nigerian government blames IPOB for the escalating violence, the group continues to deny involvement.
READ ALSO: Suspected IPOB fighters kill lawyer, associate outside court
Former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, has appealed for calm following Kanu’s sentencing. In a statement shared on his X account, he urged youths and sympathizers to avoid actions that could worsen tensions, emphasizing that violence would only lead to more losses.
He called for restraint and assured that peaceful pathways to resolving the crisis would be explored
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