Two soldiers have been killed during an attack on a new military checkpoint by some unknown gunmen in Abia State.
The soldiers attached to the Joint Task Force for South East Operation UDO KA of the Nigerian Army were attacked by the gunmen along the Umuahia-Owerri Road in Ekeneobizi community in Abia.
According to a statement issued on behalf of the task force by Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unukhalu, the incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, November 13, 2024.
Mr Unukhalu said the troops of the task force deployed at a checkpoint along Umuahia-Owerri Road in Umuahia South Local Government of Abia came under attack by some members of the proscribed Indigenous of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed group, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
He said, “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 vehicles that were used for the attack.
“However, in the ensuing firefight, two soldiers paid the supreme price.
“The Joint Task Force is appealing to the good people of South East, especially residents of Abia State for reliable and credible information that could help in apprehending the fleeing members of the group and also help to annihilate the criminals.
“Please note that any relevant information should be passed to Operation UDO KA by dialling *193* and press *Option 2’* on your phone,” the statement added.
In a video of the attack seen by Daily Patriot, the gunmen were captured destroying the obstacles positioned by the security agencies at the check point.
The gunmen in their numbers at the location issued threats to the Abia State governor and the Army to desist from deploying soldiers to the area.
They also threatened to return should their threat be ignored.
However, Mr Unukhalu stated that the Nigerian Army is not deterred by the attack.
He said the Army will continue its constitutional role of protecting lives and property in line with global best practices and laid down rules of engagement.
