By Davies Iheamnachor

PORT HARCOURT: A traditional ruler in Rivers State, Orubibiye Opuda VI of Abonnema, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of the state, Alabo Tonye Douglas, has lamented that over 5,000 residents of Abonnema have fled their homes because of fear of reprisal from the Nigerian Army, begging the Nigerian Army for forgiveness.

Army

It will be recalled that over 5,000 residents of Abonnema fled their homes, Sunday following the alleged killing of three soldiers in the area by gunmen Saturday night.

Douglas, a former Minister of Sports, who spoke in Port Harcourt, yesterday, apologised to the military and the Federal Government to forgive the community over the death of the soldiers and stop attacks in the area.

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He described the killing of the soldiers as unfortunate, blaming some misguided political gladiators in the area on the development.

He said,  “What happened during the Presidential and National Assembly elections in Abonnema is unfortunate and we totally apologiae to the Federal Government and the Army.

“In this case of Abonnema, there was huge importation of thugs into the community, causing the security men who were trying to provide security to become casualties.

“We beg the Army to temper justice with mercy. The development has made things difficult. The cost of living has soared. We are encouraging our people to stay, but our people are still leaving the community because of fear of reprisal.”

He urged the FG and the Army to investigate the incident critically and prosecute those behind the killings in the area.

“The military is a peaceful and disciplined group, that are slow to anger, with strict adherence to its rules of engagements, but when provoked in some peculiar situations, no one can predict their actions.

“Accordingly, the case in question leading to casualties and loss of lives of soldiers in Abonnema imbroglio must be thoroughly investigated and culprits adequately punished without consideration of status and position in the community.”