Otti vows justice for five soldiers killed in Abia checkpoint attack

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has written the Nigeria Army over the recent attack on an army checkpoint in Umuahia, where some soldiers were killed.

In the letter addressed to the acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, made available to newsmen on Saturday, but dated November 14, 2024, and personally signed by him.

The governor said, “It is with a deep sense of loss that I write to commiserate with you over the unfortunate and barbaric killing of five soldiers by yet-to-be-identified assailants at the boundary town of Umuopara, in Umuahia South LGA of my state.

“Indeed, this unwarranted and mindless attack targeted at our gallant soldiers who have remained steadfast in ensuring the security of lives and property in Abia State is highly condemnable.”

Otti extended his condolences to the GOC 82 Division, Enugu, the Commander, 14 Brigade, Ohafia, and the Commanding Officer, 145 Battalion, Umuahia, where the men were drawn from, adding “Please, also extend my deep condolences to the immediate families of the gallant soldiers who paid the supreme price as well as those who were injured during the attack.”

The governor recalled, “On May 30th, this year, a similar event happened at the Obikabia Junction near Aba. Together with your men and other security agencies, we started a manhunt for the criminals, and luckily, the masterminds have since been apprehended.

“Let me assure you that the Abia State Government will not rest until the perpetrators of this dastardly act are apprehended and dealt with accordingly. My administration is poised to join hands with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation to unmask those behind the attack.”

He added, “In due course, I will make contact with the immediate families of all the soldiers affected to support them as they mourn their loved ones.”

Recall that gunmen, early Wednesday morning at about 6.18am, attacked an Army checkpoint at the Abia Imo/Abia boundary community of Ekenobizi in Umuopara in Umuahia South LGA, where some soldiers lost their lives.