The Abia State Chapter of the Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN) has expressed condolences to the Nigerian Army following the killing of five of its personnel by unidentified gunmen in Aba, the commercial centre of the state.

In a statement endorsed by its Chairman, Chief Promise U. Okoro, OMPAN described the soldiers’ deaths as painful and deserving of condemnation from all peace-loving individuals. This incident is particularly disheartening as it occurred at a time when the Nigerian Army, under the leadership of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, is working to strengthen civil-military relations.

OMPAN called for a thorough investigation into the killings and commended the governor of the state, Dr Alex Otti, as well as the leadership of the Nigerian Army 82 Division, Enugu, and 14 Brigade Command Headquarters, Ohafia, for their efforts in preventing the situation from escalating.

Chief Okoro also extended condolences to the wives and relatives of the deceased soldiers and urged security agencies to exercise caution in their pursuit of those responsible for the attack to prevent innocent citizens from suffering as a result of the actions of a few individuals.

Furthermore, OMPAN assured of its continued support and partnership with the Nigerian Army in its commitment to maintaining law and order and making Abia a safer state for business, economic development, and growth.