The military has vowed to clamp down on members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for the killing of soldiers in the South-East on a day declared as a sit-at-home by the body.
Several vehicles and tricycles (popularly known as Keke Napep) were burnt by the IPOB while the attack lasted.
Already, Governors of the South-East states and other stakeholders have condemned the dastardly act.
The Director, of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Edward Buba, on Friday, said the military would retaliate the attack on its “troops and bring overwhelming pressure against the terrorists terrorizing the South-East zone.”
Buba also confirmed that no fewer than five personnel of the military attached to “Operation Udo Ka” were killed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Aba metropolis on Friday during the Biafra Day sit-at-home.
“It is absolutely imperative that the military retaliates 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.
Buba said, “Troops of OPERATION UDO KA deployed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area adjourning Aba metropolis in Abia State were attacked and sadly killed by terrorists of IPOB/ ESN.
“The troops deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were mass attacked by the terrorists.
“The terrorists in 3 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 in action.
“The armed forces mourn the death of these troops as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss.
“Meanwhile, investigations are on-going concerning the attack.
“Overall, it must be reiterated that the lifeline of the terrorists is the people and this situation is no exemption.
“Winning the war without the support of the people is close to impossible.
“The IPOB capitalized on this to perpetrate attacks on the troops. The situation leaves more to be desired,” Gen. Buba stated.
