Nigerian Army confirms killing of 2 soldiers in Abia, blames IPOB, ESN
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Nigerian Army’s Joint Task Force for South East Operation UDO KA has reported that gunmen killed two of its soldiers at a checkpoint on the Umuahia-Owerri Road in the Ekeneobizi Community, Abia State.
In a statement released by Lt.-Col. Jonah Unukhalu, the task force confirmed the incident took place early Wednesday in Umuahia.
According to the statement, troops stationed at the checkpoint along Umuahia-Owerri Road in Umuahia South Local Government Area came under attack.
The statement said, “The attack was (allegedly) carried out by the irredentist group of the Indigenous People of Biafara (IPOB) and its armed affiliate the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“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 said that the Army would continue to carry out its constitutional roles of safeguarding lives and property and perform it duties in line with global best practices as laid down in the rules of engagement guiding its operations.