The Abia State government has urged residents to desist from confronting soldiers performing their duties.

The State government also pleaded with the Nigerian Army to undertake its Operation Python Dance II with caution.

Deputy governor of the state, Ude Oko Chukwu in a statement said the government would ensure the safety of residents of the state.

Chukwu said the government wishes to ensure Abia remains a peaceful State that it has always been.

Chukwu said, “Abia State is a peaceful state and we want it to remain so and that is why the state government condemns Sunday’s unfortunate incident. We also want to warn Abia State residents to desist from confronting security men who are on a lawful duty of protecting the people of the state. We also want to appeal to the army to conduct their security exercise with caution.”

The warning came after members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) reportedly pelted stones at soldiers who were a show of force parade in the state.

Azeez