Soldiers, gunmen exchange fire in Abia

Personnel of the Nigerian army and gunmen suspected to be Biafra Liberation Army, exchanged gunfire in Mbata, Umuchima village, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State.

The gunmen are said to have been camped near a river at the boundary between Abia and the Mbaise area of Imo State.

More than 15 Hilux vehicles and armoured personnel carriers reportedly arrived at the village around 6am, in a military reinforcement against the gunmen as tension heightened.

Soldiers, NewsBand understand took strategic control of key junctions leading in and out of the village, while others continue to engage the gunmen in the surrounding bushes.

At the time of filing this report, no official statements have been issued by the authorities in respect to the development.

This development comes on the heels of Governor Alex Otti’s recent pledge to bolster security in the state.

During a recent meeting with top security officials, the governor stressed his administration’s commitment to combating criminal activities and ensuring the safety of residents.

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