The military has officially verified that members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) attacked its soldiers in Abia State on Thursday, killing five of them.
According to Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, the attack took place at the Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area, close the Aba metropolis.
Troops from Operation Udoka were stationed there to maintain order and protect people.
In addition, the military stated that six people were killed in the exchange of fire between terrorists and troops.
Major General Buba claimed that investigations into the attack were ongoing, and the military vowed to respond harshly to the assault on its forces.
The statement read, “Troops of OP UDO KA deployed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Areas adjourning Aba metropolis in Abia State were attacked and sadly killed by terrorist of IPOB/ ESN.
“The troops deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were massed attacked by the terrorist. The terrorist in 3 tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from builtup areas surrounding the checkpoint, sprang a surprise attack on the checkpoint. The attack sadly took the lives of 5 personnel of the armed forces killed in action.
“The armed forces mourns the death of these troops as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss. Meanwhile, investigation are ongoing concerning the attack.
“Overall, it must be reiterated that the lifeline of the terrorist is the people and this situation is no exemption. Winning the war without the support of the people is close to impossible. The IPOB capitalised on this to perpetrate attacks on the troops. The situation leaves more to be desired.
“Accordingly, it is absolutely imperative that the military retaliate against this dastardly act against troops. The military would be fierce in its response. We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat.”
Meanwhile, the South East Governors’ Forum condemns the attack on soldiers at a roadblock in Aba, Abia State, which it attributes to suspected IPOB members executing a sit-at-home instruction.
Chairman of the Forum and Imo-State Governor Hope Uzodimma described the occurrence as sad and expressed concern about its influence on peace efforts.
He urged security forces to catch the offenders and promised to take steps to ensure regional peace and security, underlining the importance of collaborative development efforts.
