The Nigerian Army has described the gruesome murder of two (2) of it’s soldiers by armed men suspected to be Ipob/ESN members as callous and despicable.
The Nigerian Army revealed this in a press statement by Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu.
Nwachukwu revealed that the Nigerian Army (NA) received information about the gruesome, barbaric, and despicable manner in which members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), murdered in cold blood two soldiers identified as Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Audu M Linus (retired) and Private(Pte)Gloria Matthew, who were on their way to Imo state on Saturday, April 30th, 2022.
According to him, the soldiers had apparently proceeded on the journey to fulfill the traditional procedures of conjugating their nuptials, as the Igbo tradition requires.
Ironically, the fact that one of the soldiers, Pte Gloria Matthew, originates from Nkwerre LGA in Imo state and has ethnic ties to the wonderful people of South East Nigeria, did not sway the dissidents’ minds.
The NA described the heinous act as one of many that exemplifies the deep-seated hatred, desperation, and lawlessness with which IPOB/ESN foot soldiers have been terrorizing Ndigbo, whom they claim to be on a mission to defend and emancipate, as well as other innocent Nigerians living in or passing through the South East.
The Army said the heinous murder exemplifies callousness, impenitence, and is undeniably an act of terrorism committed by IPOB/ESN who did not even spare their own child.
Despite the fact that dissident groups have continued to live in denial while posing as unknown gunmen in their criminal violent campaign in the region, the NA said it will ensure that those responsible for this heinous act against its members are brought to justice.
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While extending a heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families, relatives, and close friends, the NA also said it has launched an investigation to identify and prosecute the perpetrators.
The Army in the statement also encourage members of the public to provide actionable information to security agencies that will lead to the arrest of these criminals.
READ the full statement by the Nigerian Army below;
“The Nigerian Army (NA), on Saturday 30 April 2022 received information on the gruesome, barbaric and most despicable manner in which members of the Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network(ESN) murdered in cold blood, two soldiers Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Audu M Linus (retired) and Private(Pte)Gloria Matthew, who were on transit to Imo state for their traditional wedding.”
“Apparently, the soldiers had embarked on the trip to fulfill the traditional rites of conjugating their matrimony, as the very well respected and cherished Igbo tradition demands.”
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“Ironically, the fact that one of the soldiers, Pte Gloria Matthew who hails from Nkwerre LGA of Imo state, has an ethnic affiliation with the good people of South East Nigeria did not prevail on the sensibility of the dissidents.”
“This dastardly act, one too many, clearly portends the deep seated hate, desperation and lawlessness with which foot soldiers of IPOB/ESN have being unleashing terror on Ndigbo, whom they claim they are on a mission to protect and emancipate, as well as other innocent Nigerians who are resident or transiting the South East.”
“This gruesome murder, in which they did not spare even their own child, clearly depicts callousness, impenitence and is indisputably, a brazen act of terrorism perpetrated by IPOB/ESN.”
“Though the dissident groups have continued to live in denial, while masquerading as unknown gunmen in their criminal violent campaign in the region, the NA will ensure the perpetrators of this dastardly act unleashed on its personnel do not go unpunished.”
“While we deeply condole with the families, relations and close associates of the victims, the NA has commenced investigation to unmask and bring the criminals to book.”
“Members of the public are please enjoined to oblige security agencies actionable information that will lead to the arrest of these criminals.”
ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
3 May 2022
Source: The Nigerian Army.
