Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have called on the Federal Government to prosecute soldiers who killed three policemen and two civilians in Taraba and Abia States.

The governors under the umbrella of PDP Governors’ Forum, in a statement on Monday by its Chairman, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, also called for adequate compensation of the families of victims.

The forum described the killings as unfortunate, sad and tragic.

According to the statement, senseless killings “have in recent times, taken another gruesome dimension,” noting that this was not only wicked and malicious but unprofessional and cowardly.

“It is totally unacceptable to the people of this country.

“We wish to reiterate that the killings are unnecessary.

“It is very pathetic that the Nigerian Army would abandon their constitutional role of defending the borders of the country from external aggression to descend into such lowly criminality.

“It is sad that a security personnel, who is paid and maintained with tax-payers’ money, could turn around to kill the person he was paid to protect.

‘’The forum calls on the federal government to redress the situation immediately, as this portrays signs of inefficiency and irresponsibility.

“We implore the federal government to adequately compensate the families of victims and ensure justice is served on the culprits,” the forum added.

Three policemen, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police, Felix Adolije who were on covert operation, and a civilian, were killed last week after Nigerian soldiers opened fire on their vehicle on Jalingo Road.

Also, a motorcyclist, Mr. Chimaobi Nwogu, was reportedly shot dead by a soldier in Aba, Abia State because he refused to offer a bribe of N100 to a military officer at a checkpoint.

Meanwhile, the PDP Governors’ Forum has called for prayers for peace and unity in the country as Nigeria Muslims join the rest of the world to mark this year’s Eid el-Kabir. (New Telegraph)

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