The investigative committee of the Nigerian Army, says those responsible for the gruesome murder of its officers and innocent citizens at Abonnema, headquarters of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, during the presidential and National Assembly elections, would face the wrath of the law upon the conclusion of its task.
Addressing the Amanyanabo of Abonnema, King Disrael Bob-Manuel, and Chiefs at the Palace in Abonnema on Monday, the team led by Major-Gen. Taritimiye Gagariga, said the military would remain fair in its judgment on the incident, adding that anyone found culpable would be punished severely.
Gagariga said: “Don’t worry, all those that caused the problems in Abonnema, we will catch them and punish them for justice to take its cause.
“Rest assured, no harm will be brought to anybody. The Nigerian Army will not come to start causing problems for you. We have our constitutional mandate in security, safety of lives and property, supporting the police and civil authorities.
“We are here on a fact-finding mission, we are not here to throw any blame or cast any aspersions on anyone. We are just here to find out the truth.
“If you have any information for us, that will help us to unravel the circumstances, please let us know.
“I came with a team to investigate and look into the remote and immediate issues regarding the presidential elections violence.
“I know some of you have lost brothers, husbands, fathers and colleagues, even the Nigerian Army, we lost our officers and soldiers who also lost loved ones, may the souls of the departed rest in peace.”
On his part, King Bob-Manuel, said: “I need the youths to remain calm, I know that this incident that just happened is saddening. Let the youths remain calm and continue to trust the military and I know that those who are guilty will definitely be punished.
“If the youth have any information you can pass it on to me or the fact-finding committee. I have been informed that those who give information towards the resolution of this issues will not be victimised.
“Those planning to still run away from the Abonnema should change their minds, as the military is ever more determined to protect all in Abonnema.”
