Renowned Nigerian comedian, Atunyota Akpobome, also known as Ali Baba, has voiced his strong condemnation of the recent killing of 17 Nigerian Army officers in Delta State, labelling the act as “highly abominable.” In a heartfelt interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, Akpobome expressed his dismay, stating, “The heinous murder of these soldiers is indicative of our society’s eroding values.”
The comedian’s remarks came during the launch of two books by the publisher of Yes International Magazine, Mr. Azuh Arinze. Akpobome reflected on the broader implications of the tragedy, asserting, “Such acts of violence reveal a deep-seated issue with moral education within our nation.”
Akpobome, a Delta native himself, emphasised the gravity of the situation: “To kill another human, especially one serving in an institution tasked with protecting the populace, is an egregious offence. Abroad, military personnel are given precedence during boarding processes, highlighting the respect they command. We must fully embrace our values as a country; this incident is a tragic wake-up call.”
He continued, “The military deserves our utmost respect, not violence. No matter the justification, to take the life of a soldier is a grave crime. One must never resort to physical aggression against them, nor obstruct their duties.”
The comedian also urged those aggrieved by any public officer’s misconduct to seek redress through proper channels, presenting evidence to the relevant authorities. He called for proactive engagement from the Public Complaints Commission and the National Orientation Agency to restore public confidence and alleviate societal tensions.
Akpobome further advocated for a new constitution, criticising the current one for weakening states and regions, thereby hindering Nigeria’s progress towards the vision of its founding fathers. “The states require more autonomy to thrive. Our constitution needs to evolve, granting greater powers to the states,” he argued.
Addressing the security challenges facing the nation, Akpobome supported the demand for state police, emphasising the need for grassroots-level policing to effectively combat insecurity.
The tragic event in question occurred on March 14, when at least 17 senior military officers and soldiers from the 181 Amphibious Battalion were ambushed and killed while attempting to resolve clashes between communities in Delta’s Ughelli South Local Government Area.
