The Defence Headquarters has pledged a fierce and overwhelming response to the killing of five soldiers in Abia State during the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)–sponsored Biafra Day on Thursday.
The military attributed the attack at Obikabia Junction checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area to IPOB and the Eastern Security Network (ESN), though IPOB has denied involvement.
Following the incident, Abia State Governor Alex Otti held an emergency security meeting and announced a N25 million bounty on the perpetrators.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen. Edward Buba, stated that the attackers, using three tinted Toyota Prado SUVs and surrounding built-up areas, launched a surprise assault on the checkpoint. The soldiers had been deployed to enforce peace and protect citizens.
“The armed forces mourn the death of these troops as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss.
“Meanwhile, investigations 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 much 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.”
Governor Otti’s emergency security council meeting declared the attack a serious affront to the state’s security efforts, placing a N25 million bounty on the terrorists and promising support for the bereaved families.
Information and Culture Commissioner Okey Kanu, in a statement, expressed condolences to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Taoreed A. Lagbaja, and the Military High Command. He emphasized the government’s commitment to security and its intent to bring the full wrath of the law on those responsible for the attack.
“As a government committed to security, safety and peace within its territory at all times, the Abia State Government considers the event of Thursday, May 30, 2024 a serious affront to its resolve by criminal elements who are hell-bent on returning Abia to the dark days of insecurity and fear amongst citizens, especially in Aba, the economic heartbeat of the state.
“This is more regrettable in the light of the fact that unprecedented investments have been made in the last one year to restore the city’s public infrastructure and reposition it as an attractive investment destination for local and foreign businesses.
“The government will therefore respond appropriately to reassure citizens, investors and friends of Abia across the world that it would be relentless in bringing the full wrath of the law to bear on anyone or group who constitutes the slightest threat to the peace and security of the land, whatever is their motivation.
“To underscore its resolve, the State Government is offering a N25 million (Twenty-five Million Naira) reward to anyone with useful information that could lead to the location and arrest of any of the criminals connected to the unfortunate killings, and the subsequent state of apprehension across the city of Aba and environs.
“The security formations in the state have been directed to treat informants with all the confidentiality required to guarantee their full cooperation and assistance until the criminals are fully apprehended and brought to book”
