In a tragic incident early Wednesday morning, two soldiers lost their lives following an attack by gunmen at an army checkpoint located at the boundary between Imo and Abia states, specifically in the community of Ekenobizi in Umuopara, within the Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State.
According to a military officer who spoke the condition of anonymity, the attack occurred at approximately 6:18 AM, when gunmen, reportedly traveling in a white Lexus (either model 350 or 400), launched their assault. The exact number of attackers remains unclear.
Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu, who serves as the spokesperson for the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, confirmed the attack in a press release. He stated that the troops stationed at a checkpoint along the Umuahia-Owerri Road were ambushed by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network.
“During the early hours of today, November 13, 2024, our troops came under fire from this irredentist group,” Unuakhalu reported. “Despite the ferocity of the attack, our courageous soldiers managed to repel the assailants, compelling them to retreat in disarray, leaving behind two vehicles—a Sienna and a Lexus Jeep—that were used in the attack. However, we regret to inform that in the course of the gun battle, two of our soldiers paid the ultimate price.”
The Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA has made an appeal to the residents of Abia State, urging them to provide any relevant, reliable, and credible information that could assist in apprehending the attackers who fled the scene. The military emphasized the importance of community cooperation in combating such criminal activities and reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property in accordance with established global best practices and rules of engagement.
This attack is part of a concerning trend of violence and instability in the region, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by security forces and local communities. As the situation develops, the military continues to call for vigilance and cooperation from citizens to help restore peace and security.
