Soldiers killing by IPOB: Military vows retaliation, Atiku condemns attack

The Military authorities have said they will bring overwhelming military pressure on the proscribed Independent Peoples of Biafra over the killing of five soldiers at a checkpoint at Aba in Abia State on Wednesday.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known in a statement on Friday.

Buba said the military would be fierce in its response to the dastard act and would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat.

He said the troops of Operation UDO KA deployed in Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in the Obingwa Local Government Areas adjourning Aba metropolis in Abia were attacked and sadly killed by terrorist of IPOB/ESN.

According to him, the troops deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were mass attacked by the terrorist.

He said the terrorist who were inside three tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint, sprang a surprise attack on the checkpoint.

“The attack sadly took the lives of five personnel of the armed forces.

“The armed forces mourns these troops as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss.

“Meanwhile, investigation are ongoing concerning the attack.

“Overall, it must be reiterated that the lifeline of the terrorist is the people and this situation is no exemption.

“Winning the war without the support of the people is close to impossible and the IPOB capitalised on this to perpetrate attacks on the troops.

“The situation leave more to be desired.

“Accordingly, it is absolutely imperative that the military retaliate against this dastardly act against troops.

“The military would be fierce in its response. We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, on Friday called for a political solution to the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra.

The call came after the killing of soldiers in Aba, Abia State during Thursday’s sit-at-home declared by IPOB across the Southeast.

Condemning the killing, the former Vice-President, stated that exploring a political solution for Kanu, who is facing treason charges will help calm tension in the region.

‘The violence that led to the killing of soldiers and civilians in Abia State on Thursday stands condemned.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who may have lost a loved one. May their souls rest in peace. But even more profound is the impact of yesterday’s sit-at-home in the Southeast region of our country on students taking WAEC examinations.

“The veil of the so-called Unknown Gun Men hiding undercover to unleash death and mayhem must be lifted to ensure that criminal elements are separated from legitimate agitators.

“To this end, without prejudice to the ongoing legal processes, I think the time has come to explore a political resolution to the Nnamdi Kanu and other associated issues. I believe that this will diffuse the compressor cooker situation in the region. It will be a win-win for all parties,” Atiku wrote on X on Thursday.