The Defence Headquarters (DHQ ) has confirmed the killing of soldiers by Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) at Obikabia junction checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area, Abia state.
Director Defence Media Operations Major General Edward Buba in a statement Friday, disclosed five soldiers were killed by the terrorists
He said the troops who were deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were massed attacked by the terrorist.
” The terrorist in 3 tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from builtup areas surrounding the checkpoint, sprang a surprise attack on the checkpoint,” he said.
While noting that investigation has been launched, he said the military will be fierce in its response to the attack.
The armed forces mourns the death of these troops as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss. Meanwhile, investigation are ongoing concerning the attack.
” Overall, it must be reinterated that the lifeline of the terrorist is the people and this situation is no exemption. Winning the war without the support of the people is close to impossible. The IPOB capitalised on this to perpetrate attacks on the troops. The situation leaves more to be desired.
“Accordingly, it is absolutely imperative that the military retaliate 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,” the statement read.