The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the death of five soldiers and six civilians in an ambush by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra/ Eastern Security Network IPOB/ESN in Abia State.
Director of Defence Media Operations Major General Edward Buba in a statement yesterday said the military would retaliate the attack in a fierce manner.
“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,” he said.
General Buba said the troops were attacked at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa local government area adjourning Aba metropolis in Abia State.
He said the troops were deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens following the illegal sit-at-home order on May 30 by the separatist group IPOB before they were attacked by the terrorists.
He said; “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 five personnel of the armed forces in action.
“The armed forces mourn the death of these troops as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss. Meanwhile, investigation is ongoing concerning the attack”.
The statement reiterated that the lifeline of the terrorists is the people, adding that the situation in Abia is no exemption.
He added: “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.”
Meanwhile, the Abia State government has placed N25 million bounty on the attackers.
This was contained in a statement by the commissioner for information and culture, Okey Kanu yesterday.
The government commiserated with the chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, and the military high command over the incident.
Two gunmen were killed by soldiers yesterday at a military check-point in Ohafia along Ohafia-Ozu Abam Road following a fracas.
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