The attack took place at the Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in the Obingwa Local Government Areas, which adjourns the Aba metropolis, according to a statement from Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations. Operation Udoka troops were stationed there to maintain peace in the area and safeguard the public.
He said the terrorists who attacked the troops in the surprise assault, came in three-tinted Toyota Prado SUVs and others, from built up areas surrounding the checkpoint.
The military also confirmed that six civilians were killed in the crossfire that ensued between the terrorists and the troops.
Major General Buba stated that inquiries into the attack are still being conducted. The military also pledged to take severe action in retaliation for the attack on its personnel.
“TPB/ESN terrorists murdered OP UDO KA troops who were stationed at the Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Areas, which adjourns the Aba metropolis in Abia State.
“The troops deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were massively attacked by the terrorists. 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 military laments these soldiers’ passing; every soldier lost in combat is a tragic loss. Investigations into the attack are still ongoing in the interim.
“Overall, it must be reiterated that the lifeline of the terrorist is the people, and this situation is no exception. 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.
The IPOB/ESN terrorists launched the attack on the soldiers while enforcing a sit-at-home order across the south-east.
Kanu distances himself from Iwuanyanwu In the meantime, IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, who is detained, and Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo President Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu have distanced themselves from the killing of soldiers in Aba.
He described the incident as saddening, stating that Kanu was not behind the order for the sit-at-home.
Iwuanyanwu appealed to President Bola Tinubu to use his political power to free Kanu.
He was speaking shortly after he visited the detained leader in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday. He also called for the restructuring of the country.
Last week, IPOB declared May 30 as a sit-at-home in the south-east to honour “our heroes and heroines” who died in the civil war between 1967 and 1970.
In parts of Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia, and Ebonyi States, the banned group’s “Biafran Heroes Day” sit-at-home paralyzed commercial and economic activities as banks, schools, markets, motor parks, gas stations, and other public places were closed on Thursday.
