CSOs and Security Expert Criticize Akpabio’s Foreign Mercenary Link to Soldiers’ Killings in Delta State

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has drawn criticism from civil society organizations (CSOs) and a security expert for his statement linking the incident to foreign mercenaries.

During a Senate plenary session on Tuesday, Akpabio expressed doubts about the involvement of Niger Delta residents in the killings, suggesting that foreign mercenaries may have been responsible.

However, CSOs and a security expert have condemned Akpabio’s assertion, arguing that a thorough investigation should be conducted before drawing conclusions.

The incident occurred while the troops were on a peace mission to the warring communities of Okuoma and Okoloba.

The Senate has resolved to form a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killings and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

Reacting to Akpabio’s claims, the Executive Director of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Transparency International-Nigeria (TI-Nigeria), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, stated that a criminal is a criminal regardless of their origin, and that any attempt to soften the consequences for those responsible is condemnable.

Gad Peter, the Executive Director of the CLEEN Foundation, emphasized the importance of political leaders being cautious with their comments after incidents like this, and he urged Akpabio to provide details of the alleged foreign invasion if he has such information.

The Team Lead/Convener of Good Governance Team Nigeria, Tunde Salman, described Akpabio’s comment as unacceptable and condemnable, while the National Coordinator of Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), Emmanuel Onwubiko, stated that Akpabio’s assertion was merely a guess and could be either right or wrong.

The CSOs and security expert have called for a thorough investigation into the incident to identify the culprits and ensure justice is served.