The Nigerian Military has confirmed the killing of five of its personnel by the terrorists of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The IPOB/ESN terrorists attacked the soldiers while enforcing a sit-at-home order across the southeast.
This was made known in a statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba.
According to the statement, the attack occurred at the Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area, near Aba metropolis. Troops of Operation Udoka had been deployed there to maintain peace and protect citizens.
“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.
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