The Abia State Government has placed a N25 million bounty on the killers of five soldiers in the Aba area of the state, following a tragic incident that has left the community in shock and mourning. The state government also expressed condolences to the Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, over the loss.
The tragic event occurred on Thursday when gunmen launched a surprise attack on a military unit stationed at Obikabia Junction, Ogbor Hill area. The assailants not only killed the soldiers but also set the military unit and a patrol van on fire. While some soldiers managed to escape, the attack resulted in significant loss and has heightened tensions in the region.
In response to the incident, the Abia State Government, the following day, released a statement condemning the attack and describing it as deeply unfortunate. They offered prayers for the repose of the fallen soldiers’ souls, acknowledging their bravery and dedication to duty. To show their commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice, the government announced a N25 million reward for anyone providing useful information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the killings. This was conveyed in a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Culture, Okey Kanu.
Kanu’s statement emphasized the government’s resolve to capture the criminals and restore peace to the area. “To underscore its resolve, the State Government is offering a N25 million 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 statement read. He also assured that security formations in the state have been instructed to treat informants with the utmost confidentiality to ensure their cooperation.
The military has also confirmed the attack, attributing it to terrorists suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Major General Edward Buba, the defence spokesman, detailed the assault, which took place at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area. This area adjoins the Aba metropolis, where troops of Operation Udoka were deployed to maintain peace and protect citizens. The attackers, using three-tinted Toyota Prado SUVs, launched a coordinated assault on the checkpoint, resulting in the deaths of five soldiers. Additionally, six civilians were caught in the crossfire and killed.
General Buba stressed that investigations into the attack are ongoing and vowed that the military would respond with force. “The armed forces mourn the death of these troops as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss,” he said. He highlighted the importance of public support in combating terrorism, noting that IPOB exploits local support to carry out such attacks. He assured that the military’s response would be fierce and aimed at decisively defeating the terrorist group.
In a related development, the Chairman of the South-East Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, condemned the attack and called on the military to unmask the perpetrators. Addressing journalists in Owerri, Uzodimma described the attack as a significant setback to the ongoing peace efforts in the South-East region. “On behalf of my brother governors in the South East Governors’ Forum, I condemn that incident and loss of the lives of soldiers who were on their duty posts,” he said. He urged security agencies to ensure that those responsible are apprehended and brought to justice.
Uzodimma lamented that such unprovoked attacks on security personnel undermines the peace process. “The unfortunate thing is that it is going to act as a major setback to the peace process which the governors from the South East have been pursuing in talking to the Federal Government, security agencies, and other critical stakeholders on how best to resolve the problem of insecurity in the South-East,” he noted.
The combined response from the state government and military underscores a strong commitment to addressing the security challenges in the region and ensuring that those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.
