The Nigeria Army has confirmed the dead of five soldiers in the checkpoint attack of its personnel in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State.
In a Friday statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, the military vowed a brutal response to the Obikabia junction attack in Obingwa Local Government Area.
Masked gunmen enforcing the sit-at-home exercise, observed annually on May 30 to commemorate the dead of three million Igbos who died during the 1967-1970 civil war, opened fire on the soldiers, killing and injuring the military personnel at the checkpoint.
Mr Bubba, who blamed operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) the militia wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), said the attackers who also razed military trucks came in three tinted vehicles.
The military also confirmed that six civilians were killed in the crossfire that ensued.
“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 statement reads.
“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 added.
