The Nigerian Army has revealed the names of two soldiers who were beheaded on their way to their traditional wedding in Imo as Audu Linus, a retired master warrant officer and Gloria Matthew, a private solder.
Army spokesman Brig.-Gen. Onyema Onyechukwu in a statement on Tuesday said it was ironical that one of the soldiers, Matthew, who hailed from Nkwerre Local Government Area of Imo did not prevail on the sensibility of the dissidents.
According to him, this dastardly act clearly portends the deep seated hate, desperation and lawlessness with which foot soldiers of IPOB/ESN have been unleashing terror on the people.
“This gruesome murder, in which they did not spare even their own child, clearly depicts callousness, impenitence and is indisputably, a brazen act of terrorism perpetrated by IPOB/ESN.
“Though the dissident groups have continued to live in denial, while masquerading as unknown gunmen in their criminal violent campaign in the region, the Nigerian army will ensure the perpetrators of this dastardly act unleashed on its personnel do not go unpunished.
“While we deeply condole with the families, relations and close associates of the victims, Nigerian army has commenced investigation to unmask and bring the criminals to book,” the statement said.
