The Nigerian Army has described the killing of two of its personnel, Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Audu M Linus (retired), and Private (Pte) Gloria Matthew, by alleged members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) as ferocious and cold.
The victims, according to the Director, Army Public Relations Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, met their untimely death last Saturday, while he was on transit to Imo state for their traditional wedding. Nwachukwu disclosed the horrible murder of the soldiers by the group, who did not spare Gloria Matthew, who hails from Nkwerre LGA of Imo state, clearly shows brutality, remorselessness and is certainly, a metallic act of terrorism portrayed by IPOB/ESN.
He said even though the rebel groups have continuously lived in denial while impersonating as unknown gunmen in their villain wild campaign in the region, the Nigerian Army would do everything possible to bring the culprits of the unruly act to justice, just as it sends warm condolences to the families, relations and close associates of the deceased. He, hence, appeal to the masses to oblige the army and the security agencies with helpful information that could bring nemesis to the perpetrators.
Nwachukwu’s statement reads: “The Nigerian Army (NA), on Saturday, April 30, 2022 received information on the wicked, treacherous 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 their way 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.
“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 people of South East Nigeria did not stop on the sensibility of the rebels.
“This ghastly act, one too many, clearly implies the deep seated hate, desperation and lawlessness with which foot soldiers of IPOB/ESN have been discharging 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 horrid murder, in which they did not spare even their own child, clearly depicts callousness, impenitence and is, indisputably, a bold act of terrorism perpetrated by IPOB/ESN.
“Though the crime groups have continued to survive in denial, while disguising as unknown gunmen in their criminal violent campaign in the region, the Nigerian Army will make sure the perpetrators of this horrible act unleashed on its personnel do not go unpunished. While we deeply condole with the families, relations and close associates of the deceased, the Nigerian Army has began investigation to unmask and bring the criminals to light.
“Members of the public are pleased to oblige security agencies with actionable information that will lead to the arrest of these criminals.”
