Two soldiers were killed on Wednesday after gunmen raided a military checkpoint in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State.
In a video obtained by NewsBand Newspaper, the gunmen were seen shooting and dismantling the checkpoints mounted by the Nigerian army personnel.
Sources authoritatively told NewsBand that the gunmen were members of Biafra Liberation Army under the command of Finland based agitator, Mr Simon Ekpa.
One of the gunmen during the sad attack was heard warning the governor of the state, Dr Alex Otti to be careful, adding that they don’t want to see such checkpoints again.
However, the attack was confirmed in a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA.
He said, “In the early hours of today, 13 November 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 by the irredentist group Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network.
“During the attack, the gallant troops were able to repel the assault, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray with gunshot wounds, abandoning one Sienna and one Lexus Jeep used in the attack. However, in the ensuing firefight, two soldiers paid the supreme price.”
The Joint Task Force appealed to residents of the South East, particularly those in Abia State, for credible information to help track down the fleeing attackers and combat criminal elements in the region.
Also, the army reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property in line with global best practices and the rules of engagement.
