Gunmen kill two soldiers at Abia army checkpoint

Two soldiers were killed early Wednesday morning when gunmen attacked an army checkpoint at the Imo/Abia boundary community of Ekenobizi in Umuopara in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State.

A military officer who spoke to PUNCH Metro on condition of anonymity said the attack came at about 6.18 am from the gunmen who drove in a white Lexus (350/400) model, while the number of the assailants could not be established.

But Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu in a press release for the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, said, “At the early hours of today, November 13, 2024, troops of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA deployed at a checkpoint along the 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 Biafara and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network.

“During the attack, the gallant troops were able to repel the attack forcing the irredentists to withdraw in disarray with gunshot wounds, abandoning one Sienna and one Lexus Jeep vehicles that were used for the attack. However, in the ensuing gun duel, two soldiers paid the supreme price.”

He said the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA appealed to the “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” not to hesitate in providing such.

He stressed that the military would continue to carry out its constitutional roles of safeguarding lives and property in line with global best practices as laid down in the rules of engagement guiding its operations.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]