Two soldiers were on Wednesday killed at an army checkpoint in Abia State.
It was gathered that the heinous attack reportedly took places at Ekenobizi, a border community between Abia and Imo states in Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government Area.
According to a statement by Lt. Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, of the Joint Task Force South East Operation, codenamed Udoka, the Eastern Security Network, ESN, the military wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, was responsible for the attack.
“At the early hours of today (November 13, 2024), troops of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDOKA deployed at a checkpoint along Umuahia-Owerri Road in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State came under attack carried out by the irredentist group of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN),” the statement read.
“During the attack, the gallant troops were able to repel the attack, forcing the irredentist to withdraw in disarray with gunshot wounds, abandoning one Sienna and one Lexus Jeep vehicle that was used for the attack. However, in the ensuing firefight, two soldiers paid the supreme price.”
It further appealed for intelligence in tracking the fleeing hoodlums.
“The Joint Task Force South East Operation UDOKA is calling and appealing to the good people of the South East, especially residents of Abia State, with relevant, reliable and credible information that could help in apprehending the fleeing members of the irredentist group who committed this heinous crime and also help to annihilate the criminals in the region,” it added.
“The Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA will continue to carry out its constitutional roles of safeguarding lives and property in line with global best practice as laid down in the rules of engagement guiding its operations.”