- Warns of Dire Consequences
By Ken Afor
The Nigerian military has spoken on raging crisis in Abia state, confirming a deadly attack on its personnel allegedly by suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) militants in the State on Thursday, resulting in the loss of five lives.
According to a statement issued by Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, on Friday, the attack occurred at the Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area, near Aba metropolis.
Buba added that the troops, part of Operation Udoka, were deployed to maintain peace and protect civilians in the area. The militants, who launched a surprise assault, arrived in three tinted Toyota Prado SUVs and other vehicles from nearby built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint, the Army Spokesman added.
He further disclosed that six civilians lost their lives in the exchange of fire between the militants and the troops.
According to the military spokesman, an investigation into the incident is currently underway. The military has also vowed to take decisive action in response to the attack on its personnel, warning that its response will be swift and firm.
“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 massively attacked by the terrorist. The terrorists, in three-tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from built-up 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,” the statement read.
It would be recalled that on Thursday, suspected IPOB/ESN militants carried out an attack on military personnel while enforcing a sit-at-home order in the south-east region.
