Explore Political Resolution To Nnamdi Kanu’s Ordeal – Atiku Speaks On Murder Of Soldiers In Abia

• Last week, IPOB declared May 30 as a sit-at-home in the south-east.
• The police asked residents in the south-east states to ignore IPOB’s directive.

The Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar has called for a political resolution to the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Recall that Kanu, leader of IPOB, has been in custody since he was extradited to Nigeria in 2021.

The IPOB leader is facing terrorism charges filed against him at the federal high court.

WITHIN NIGERIA reports that IPOB had last week declared May 30 as a sit-at-home in the south-east to honour “our heroes and heroines” who died in the civil war between 1967 and 1970.

“Every Biafran in Biafra territory is expected to sit at home on this day and reflect on the danger of the forced unity called Nigeria that have taken millions of lives of Biafrans,” Emma Powerful, IPOB spokesperson, said in a statement.

The police had asked residents in the south-east states to ignore IPOB’s directive.

On Thursday, four soldiers were reportedly killed by members of IPOB at Obikabia junction in Aba area of Abia state.

Military patrol vehicles were also set on fire by the gunmen.

Atiku, who was reacting to this sad development on his X page on Friday, condemned the murder of soldiers by suspected members of the proscribed IPOB.

He lamented the impact of the sit-at-home order on the conduct of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), exam across the south-east.

“The violence that led to the killing of soldiers and civilians in Abia State on Thursday stands condemned,” Atiku wrote.

“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.

“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.

“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.”