In a tragic incident on Wednesday, unidentified gunmen launched an assault on a military checkpoint along Umuahia–Owerri Road in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, leading to the death of two soldiers from the Joint Task Force South-East Operation UDO KA. This is the second attack on military personnel in Abia State this year, underscoring ongoing security challenges in the region.
Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu, spokesperson for the Joint Task Force South-East Operation UDO KA, confirmed the attack in a statement to Channels Television. According to Unuakhalu, the assailants were identified as members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“At the early hours of today, November 13, 2024, our troops stationed along Umuahia–Owerri Road in Abia State came under attack. The attack was carried out by the irredentist group IPOB and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network,” read the statement.
The soldiers managed to repel the attack, forcing the attackers to retreat, leaving behind a Sienna and a Lexus Jeep used in the assault. However, two soldiers tragically lost their lives during the exchange.
In response to the incident, the Joint Task Force South-East Operation UDO KA has appealed to the public for assistance. “We urge residents of Abia State and the entire South-East region with credible information about the fleeing attackers to come forward. Relevant information can be relayed to Operation UDO KA by dialing 193 and selecting Option 2,” the statement urged.
This recent attack follows a similar incident in May, where gunmen ambushed a military checkpoint at Obikabia Junction in Obingwa Local Government Area near Aba, resulting in the deaths of five soldiers. The attackers, alleged to be affiliated with IPOB and ESN, reportedly used three-tinted Toyota Prado SUVs for the assault and retreated into the densely populated areas surrounding the checkpoint. Six civilians were also reported killed in the crossfire.
Operation UDO KA, which is responsible for maintaining security in the South-East, reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property in the region. “The Joint Task Force South-East Operation UDO KA will continue to carry out its constitutional roles in line with global best practices,” said Unuakhalu, adding that the unit remains steadfast in its mission despite the challenges.
The repeated attacks on military checkpoints in Abia State highlight the need for intensified security measures as well as community support to combat rising threats.
