In a tragic incident on Wednesday morning, suspected members of the proscribed Eastern Security Network (ESN) and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) attacked an army checkpoint in Abia State, killing two soldiers and injuring others. The gunmen launched the attack on soldiers from the 14 Brigade headquarters, Ohafia, stationed at a checkpoint near the Carpenter Shed in the Ekenobizi, Umuopara area of Umuahia South, along the popular Onuimo Bridge which borders Abia and Imo states.
According to local sources, the attack occurred around 6:18 a.m., sparking a fierce gun battle and forcing nearby traders and travelers to seek shelter as gunfire filled the air. The checkpoint, which was established just last Thursday to bolster security in the area, was dismantled by the attackers after they overpowered the soldiers.
Earlier reports recall that armed men were recently repelled by personnel of the 144 Battalion in Ukwa West, where the gunmen had attempted to attack a police checkpoint along the Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway but ultimately fled toward Imo State.
Lt. Col. Jonah Unuakhalu Onah, spokesperson for the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, confirmed the incident. He explained that the troops were deployed at a checkpoint along Umuahia-Owerri Road when they came under attack by IPOB and ESN members.
“At the early hours of November 13, 2024, troops of Operation UDO KA were attacked by irredentist elements of IPOB and ESN. During the firefight, the attackers withdrew in disarray with gunshot injuries, abandoning two vehicles—a Sienna and a Lexus Jeep—used in the assault,” Onah stated. He added that despite the successful defense, two soldiers lost their lives.
The Joint Task Force has urged Southeast residents, particularly in Abia, to provide any reliable information that may lead to the apprehension of the attackers, emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding lives and property within the framework of its operational rules and global best practices.
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