In the wake of the tragic killing of five soldiers in Abia State, the military has vowed to retaliate with overwhelming force.
The soldiers were attacked on Thursday by gunmen enforcing a sit-at-home order issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to commemorate those who died during the Nigerian Civil War of 1967-70.
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In an official statement released on Friday, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, accused IPOB and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), of orchestrating the attack.
He emphasized that the military’s response would be both fierce and decisive.
“An overwhelming military response will be brought to bear on the group to ensure their total defeat,” declared Buba.
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Providing details of the incident, Buba explained that the soldiers, stationed at the Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area near Aba metropolis, were ambushed by heavily armed militants.
The attackers arrived in three tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and were supported by additional forces from nearby built-up areas.
“This unprovoked attack claimed the lives of five brave soldiers who were deployed to maintain peace and protect the citizens,” Buba lamented.
“The loss of these personnel in the line of duty is deeply mourned by the armed forces.”
An investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the ambush.
Buba highlighted the critical importance of public support in combating terrorist activities, noting that the terrorists exploit local sympathies to launch their attacks.
“The lifeline of any terrorist group is the support they receive from the local population, and this incident is no exception. Winning this war is significantly harder without the backing of the people,” he stated.
Buba reiterated the military’s commitment to responding robustly to such acts of violence.
“We will ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous act are brought to justice. The military’s retaliation will be fierce, and we will apply overwhelming pressure to guarantee the total defeat of IPOB and ESN,” he vowed.
