Military Confirms Killing of Five Soldiers by IPOB/ESN Terrorists in Abia

The military has confirmed that five soldiers were killed by terrorists from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in an attack in Abia State on Thursday.

According to a statement from Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, the attack occurred at the Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area, near Aba. Troops of Operation Udoka were stationed there to maintain peace and protect citizens. The attackers arrived in three tinted Toyota Prado SUVs and other vehicles from nearby built-up areas, launching a surprise assault on the checkpoint.

In addition to the military casualties, six civilians were also killed in the crossfire. Major General Buba emphasized that investigations are ongoing and that the military plans a severe retaliation against the terrorists.

“Troops of Operation Udoka were attacked and killed by IPOB/ESN terrorists at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint. The attackers arrived in three tinted Prado SUVs and other vehicles from surrounding areas, launching a surprise assault,” said Major General Buba. “The armed forces mourn the loss of these soldiers, and investigations are ongoing. The military will respond with overwhelming force to ensure the total defeat of the terrorists.”

Meanwhile, the President of Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has distanced himself and the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, from the attack. He stated that Kanu did not order the sit-at-home mandate that led to the violence and appealed to President Bola Tinubu to use his political power to free Kanu. Iwuanyanwu made these comments after visiting Kanu in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Last week, IPOB declared May 30 a sit-at-home day to honor those who died in the Nigerian Civil War between 1967 and 1970. This declaration disrupted commercial activities across several states in the southeast, including Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia, and Ebonyi, with businesses, schools, markets, and public places shutting down in observance.