The Defence Headquarters on Friday explained how five soldiers and six civilians were killed by terrorists at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area Aba, Abia State on Thursday, May 30, 2024.
It said the victims were murdered by
gunmen who were enforcing Sit-At-Home order.
Military said the gunmen numbering about 30, stormed troops location in three black Toyota Land Cruiser Jeeps with tinted glasses and opened fire during which five Soldiers were killed.
It further disclosed that the assailants also carted away 5 AK47 rifles, burnt down 2 military patrol hilux vehicles and injured 2 civilians.
The military gave the identities of the five soldiers killed during the attack to include two Sergeants, two Corporal and one Lance Corporal.
Their identities were sighted in a signal released on Friday.
The soldiers were identified as : Sergeant Charles Ugochukwu (94NA/38/1467),
Sergeant Bala Abraham (03NA/53/1028),
Corporal Gideon Egwe(10NA/65/7085),
Corporal Ikpeama Ikechukwu (13NA/70/5483) and
Corporal Augustine Emmanuel (13NA/70/6663).
The signal reads : “On 30 May 24, at about 0830 hrs, troops of 144 Battalion deployed at Obikabia Junction Federal School Road, Ogbor Hill in Obingwa LGA were attacked by unknown gunmen suspected to be IPOB/ESN members.
“Gunmen who were enforcing Sit-At-Home order numbering about 30, stormed troops location in 3 black Toyota Land Cruiser Jeeps and opened fire during which 5 x Soldiers were killed.
further disclosed that the assailants also carted away 5 AK47 rifles, burnt down 2 military patrol hilux vehicles and injured 2 civilians.
The signal noted that the current situation in Aba is generally tensed while monitoring continues as further details will be forwarded as situation unfolds.
Also a statement on Friday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.- Gen. Edward Buba, said the terrorists that attack the troops in the surprise assault, came in three tinted Toyota Prado SUVs and others, from built up areas surrounding the checkpoint.
He said that the six civilian victims of the attack were killed in the crossfire that ensued between the terrorists and the troops.
According to Maj. – Gen. Buba, investigation are ongoing concerning the attack.
The military also promised to retaliate the attack on its troops, vowing that their response would be brutal.
“Troops of OP UDO KA deployed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Areas adjourning Aba metropolis in Abia State were attacked and sadly killed by terrorist of IPOB/ ESN.
“The troops deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were massively attacked by the terrorist.
“The terrorists, in three-tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint, sprang a surprise attack on the checkpoint.
“The attack sadly took the lives of 5 personnel of the armed forces killed in action.
“The armed forces mourns the death of these troops as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss.
“Meanwhile, investigation are ongoing concerning the attack.
“Overall, it must be reiterated that the lifeline of the terrorist is the people and this situation is no exemption.
“Winning the war without the support of the people is close to impossible.
“The IPOB capitalised on this to perpetrate attacks on the troops. The situation leaves more to be desired.
“Accordingly, it is absolutely imperative that the military retaliate against this dastardly act against troops.
“The military would be fierce in its response. We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat,” the statement read.
The IPOB/ESN terrorists launched the attack on the soldiers while enforcing a sit-at-home order across the south-east.
