Biafra Day: IPOB Denies Involvement in Abia Soldier Killings

The outlawed separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has denied any involvement in the attack on a military checkpoint in Abia State, which resulted in the deaths of five soldiers. The incident occurred on Thursday, coinciding with Biafra Day.

In a statement released by IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful, the group accused local politicians of orchestrating the attack. “Those responsible for this attack on the military at their checkpoint in Aba are politicians,” said Powerful. He warned Governor Alex Otti to be vigilant about those aiming to create chaos in Aba.

Powerful emphasized that IPOB was observing a sit-at-home order to commemorate fallen Biafran heroes and had no part in the violence. “We condemn the attack on the military on duty in Aba. We are not involved because sit-at-home was time for mourning our heroes and heroines and not for attack on anybody.”

In response to the attack, the Abia State Government has offered a N25 million bounty for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators. State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Okey Kanu, announced this in a statement from Umuahia, expressing condolences to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, and the military high command.

The government condemned the attack, emphasizing its commitment to security and peace. “This attack is a serious affront to our resolve by criminal elements determined to return the state to dark days of insecurity and fear,” the statement read.

Efforts have been intensified to safeguard the state, with assurances given to residents to continue their daily activities without fear. The government has also called on citizens to provide any information on criminal activities to security agencies promptly.