Abia State Governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has vowed to ensure that justice was served on a killer soldier who reportedly killed Chimaobi Nwaorgu, a commercial motorcyclist in Aba, on Wednesday at Amaise, Umuokereke Ngwa in Obingwa Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

Ikpeazu stated this at Ezido Na Ife Village, Umuokereke Ngwa in Obingwa LGA when he visited the deceased family to condole with them.

Speaking at the deceased family compound, Ikpeazu directed the Commissioner of Police (CP), Ene Okon, to step up investigations to unravel why a soldier attached to the Ohanze military checkpoint shot and killed the 30-year-old commercial motorcyclist.

The governor, who was accompanied by Okon, Police Area Commander for Aba, ACP Okpara and other senior Police Officers, described the killing as wicked, malicious, unprofessional and cowardly.

He expressed deep sadness that security personnel paid and maintained by taxpayers’ money will turn around to kill those they are being paid to secure.

He declared the circumstances surrounding the killing of late Nwaorgu were unacceptable to the government and people of Abia State.

The Governor, who was visibly emotional, wondered why a soldier would pursue an unarmed young man from Ohanze Village to Umuokereke Ngwa, a distance of about 25 kilometers and shot him from behind for no just cause.

He said: “This is one murder too many. We will do everything possible under the law to get this murderous soldier and bring him to justice.

“Whatever it takes, we will do. We will go to Abuja or any other place to ensure that this soldier doesn’t go scot-free.

“The death of this young man is extremely painful and cannot go in vain. This is my position and this is the position of the Government and people of Abia State.”

The sight of the young wife, who has suddenly become a widow with his two infant sons and his aged mother, evoked a feeling of strong emotions and the atmosphere was very charged with many wailing uncontrollably.

The Governor assured the family that he will personally ensure that the young family was not allowed to suffer.

He also announced that the soldier (name withheld) was arrested on Thursday and in detention.

He thanked the Commissioner of Police for the prompt response to the matter.

Governor Ikpeazu pleaded with the family and the entire community to take heart and accept the sad incident with philosophical calmness.

While advising against violent demonstrations which could aggravate the already charged situation, the Governor told the people to trust his ability to pursue the deal with this matter decisively.

The Governor later moved to the Community Hall where addressed the people and youths of the Community and renewed his appeal for calm. (The Nation)

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