The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has promised to avenge the gruesome killing of five of its personnel in Abia State, by suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, (ESN).
According to a statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, the attack took place on Thursday, at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area, adjourning Aba metropolis, where troops of Operation Udoka were deployed to enforce peace and protect the lives of the citizens.
Major Buba said the assailants stormed the area in three-tinted Toyota Prado SUVs and launched a surprise assault on the troops stationed there.
The DHQ also confirmed that six civilians were killed in the crossfire that ensued between the attackers and troops.
Major Buba stressed that investigation is ongoing regarding the attack, adding the unfortunate incident occurred while the suspected IPOB members were enforcing their sit-at-home order across the state.
“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,” he said in a statement.
“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
“The alleged IPOB/ESN members launched the attack on the soldiers while enforcing a sit-at-home order across the south-east.”
