By Ken Afor
Tension grips Aba, the commercial city of Abia State, Southeast Nigeria on Thursday, May 30, 2024, as a shootout erupted between unknown gunmen enforcing the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) sit-at-home order and soldiers at Obikabia Junction in the city.
According to reports, the exchange of fire resulted in the deaths of two soldiers, although this has not been confirmed by the military or police authorities.
It was gathered that the gunmen, enforcing the sit-at-home order, also set ablaze a military patrol vehicle and several shops in the area.
While the exact number of casualties is unclear, videos of the incident show a soldier seeking cover in a nearby shop “as their patrol vehicle burns.”
A voice in one of the videos that has gone viral says: “This Army man is the only surviving person here. He was the only person that ran away. He was the only person that ran away. Jesus!”
Another video captures the intensity of the confrontation, showing at least nine heavily-armed individuals clad in combat attire, firing at and chasing soldiers at a junction.
Going by the video, the unknown gunmen, traveling in a convoy of SUVs, appear to be well-coordinated and heavily armed, leaving no doubt about their intentions.
“I’m hearing gunshots within the Obikabia axis of Waterside, and someone just called me now to affirm it,” an eyewitness told SaharaReporters.
While confirming the incident, the Abia State Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), ASP Maureen Chinaka, directed journalists to the military authorities for additional details and further clarification, citing their primary involvement in the situation.
“I am working on the incident, and whatever I get, I will relay it to you. On the military incident, you can speak with the military spokesperson in Ohafia,” she said.
Also, when reached for comment, Lieutenant Prince Innocent Omale, the Army’s spokesperson for the 14 Brigade Command in Ohafia, Abia State, confirmed the incident but reportedly declined to provide further information, citing ongoing investigations.
He said: “We got the information, and we are preparing to go there as we speak. I cannot tell you whether anybody was killed or not until we get there and ascertain what happened and how it happened. But our men are moving there right now.”
