Former Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode has said that the killing of the Commander of Eastern Security Network (ESN) identified as Ikonson Commander was a “mistake” that could cost the nation dearly.
The Herald had reported that the Nigerian Army confirmed the killing on Saturday, saying it took place in Awomama Village, Oru East Local Government Area of Imo.
Six of his lieutenants were said to have also been eliminated in the operation that also involved the police and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Reacting in a Sunday tweet, Fani-Kayode said that the killing of the ESN commander was comparable to that of Mohammed Yusuf, whose killing has been blamed for the Boko Haram insurgency that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions since 2009.
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According to the former minister, the ESN commander’s killing could radicalise the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
This, he said, portends grave danger for Nigeria that is still battling with the Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgency.
Fani-Kayode wrote, “The biggest mistake that the Nigerian state has made since the killing of Mohammed Yusuf, the erstwhile leader of Boko Haram, is the killing of Ikonso the IPOB & ESN Commander a few days ago.
“This single act has radicalised IPOB & will have consequences. It is sad & unfortunate.”
See tweet:
The biggest mistake that the Nigerian state has made since the killing of Mohammed Yusuf, the erstwhile leader of Boko Haram, is the killing of Ikonso the IPOB & ESN Commander a few days ago.This single act has radicalised IPOB & will have consequences. It is sad & unfortunate.
— Femi Fani-Kayode (@realFFK) April 25, 2021
Tbe former minister urged Nigerians to pray for peace in the country in the wake of the killing.