The Nigerian Army has remained silent over the reported killing of soldiers at Obikabia Junction, Ogbor Hill area, Aba, Abia State, even more than ten hours after the incident went viral on social media.
According to eyewitnesses, the attack occurred around 6:45 am when a group of armed men stormed the military unit. The assailants not only killed several soldiers but also set the military unit and a patrol van on fire. Some soldiers were reportedly able to escape the ambush.
Despite the widespread circulation of the incident on social media, both the army and police authorities have refrained from making any official statements. Attempts to reach the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for comments proved futile, as calls went unanswered. Similarly, Maureen Chinaka, the spokesperson for the Abia State Police Command, deflected inquiries, stating, “I refer you all to the military PRO as I do not speak for the military.”
The attack has been attributed to approximately 15 armed men who allegedly launched the assault while enforcing a sit-at-home order issued by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) across the South-East region. This sit-at-home directive has been a recurring method used by pro-Biafran groups to push their agenda, often leading to disruptions in daily life and economic activities.
In a related development, the Abia State Government, under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, is actively engaging with the organisers of the sit-at-home order. The primary concern is to ensure that the academic interests of candidates sitting for the West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams are not compromised. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity informed Channels Television that the state government is working towards a peaceful resolution and has no intention of engaging in unnecessary conflicts with the sit-at-home organisers. Efforts are being made to coordinate with all affected schools to minimize disruptions to the WAEC exams.
Despite these efforts, the sit-at-home order has had a significant impact on Abia State, particularly in the commercial hubs of Umuahia and Aba. Most businesses, including banks and schools, have shut down in response to the call for a peaceful protest by pro-Biafran groups. The exercise has seen widespread compliance, especially in areas like Obikabia, Ogbohill, and Main Park in Aba, where shops, markets, banks, and schools have remained closed throughout the day.
The situation highlights the ongoing tensions in the South-East region, where frequent sit-at-home orders by pro-Biafran groups continue to disrupt normalcy. The Abia State Government’s diplomatic approach in addressing the issue aims to balance maintaining public order with respecting the rights and concerns of its citizens. However, the silence from military and police authorities on the violent incident in Aba raises concerns about security and the response to such attacks.
As the state government works to ensure minimal disruption to crucial examinations and daily activities, the community remains on edge, awaiting further developments and official statements from the relevant authorities. The impact of the sit-at-home order and the violent attack on the military unit underscore the complex dynamics at play in the region, necessitating careful and strategic responses from both state and federal authorities.
