Gunmen suspected to be members of the proscribed Eastern Security Network and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have attacked an army checkpoint in Abia State.
Three soldiers on duty were reportedly killed in a fierce gun battle between the gunmen and soldiers of the 14 Brigade headquarters, Ohafia at the checkpoint.
The incident happened on Wednesday morning at the army checkpoint located at the Carpenter Shed, Ekenobizi, Umuopara, Umuahia South local government area axis of the popular Onuimo Bridge, a popular boundary between Abia State and Imo State.
The incident, sources said happened around 6:18 am, forcing road users and traders around to scamper for safety as gunshots rented the air.
Sources disclosed that the gunmen who apparently took the soldiers unawares, dismantled the checkpoint.
The checkpoint was reportedly set up last Thursday to improve security in the State after overpowering them.
Lt. Col. Jonah Unuakhalu Onah in a statement on behalf of Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA said: “At the early hours of today 13 November 2024, troops of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA deployed at a checkpoint along Umuahia – Owerri road in Umuahia south local government area of Abia State came under attack carried out by the irredentist group of the Indigenous People of Biafara (IPOB) and its armed affiliate the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“During the attack, the gallant troops were able to repel the attack forcing the irredentist to withdraw in disarray with gunshot wounds, abandoning one Sienna and one Lexus Jeep vehicles that were used for the attack.
“However, in the ensuing firefight, two soldiers paid the supreme price. “The Joint Task Force Southeast Operation UDO KA is calling and appealing to the good people of the Southeast especially residents of Abia State with relevant, reliable and credible information that could help in apprehending the fleeing members of the irredentist group who committed this heinous crime and also help to annihilate the criminals in the region.
“The Joint Task Force Southeast Operation UDO KA will continue to carry out its constitutional roles of safeguarding lives and property in line with global best practice as laid down in the rules of engagement guiding its operations.” he added.