Two soldiers were killed in an early morning attack on a military checkpoint in Ekenobizi, a border community between Abia and Imo states, on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.
The attack occurred in the Umuokpara area of Umuahia South Local Government Area.
A statement from the Joint Task Force South East, Operation Udoka, confirmed the incident, blaming the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), for the assault.
According to the statement, the gunmen targeted the checkpoint along the Umuahia-Owerri Road and engaged in a firefight with the troops stationed there.
The soldiers reportedly repelled the attackers, forcing them to flee after sustaining gunshot wounds.
Two vehicles— a Sienna minibus and a Lexus SUV— were abandoned at the scene.
However, the military confirmed that two soldiers were killed during the exchange of fire.
The Joint Task Force South East called for help from the public, urging residents of Abia State to provide credible information that could lead to the arrest of the attackers.
In the statement, Lt. Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, spokesperson for Operation Udoka, reiterated the military’s commitment to maintaining security in the region and pledged to continue its operations aimed at protecting lives and property in line with established rules of engagement.
