Gunmen attack Army Checkpoint in Abia community, kill two soldiers

In the early hours of Wednesday, gunmen attacked an army checkpoint in Ekenobizi, a border area between Abia and Imo states, located in Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government Area.

The incident resulted in the death of two soldiers.

According to a military source, who wished to remain anonymous, the assailants arrived at around 6:18 a.m. in a white Lexus (350/400) model. The exact number of attackers remains unconfirmed.

Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA confirmed the incident in a press release. He stated, “In the early hours of today, 13 November 2024, troops of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, deployed at a checkpoint along the Umuahia – Owerri Road in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, came under attack by the irredentist group Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network.”

“During the attack, the gallant troops were able to repel the assault, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray with gunshot wounds, abandoning one Sienna and one Lexus Jeep used in the attack. However, in the ensuing firefight, two soldiers paid the supreme price.”

The Joint Task Force appealed to residents of the South East, particularly those in Abia State, for credible information to help track down the fleeing attackers and combat criminal elements in the region.

The force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property in line with global best practices and the rules of engagement.