Gunmen launched an early-morning attack on an army checkpoint in Ekenobizi, a border community between Abia and Imo states in Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government Area, on Wednesday, killing two soldiers.
The Joint Task Force South East Operation Udoka confirmed the incident in a statement signed by Lt. Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, attributing the attack to the Eastern Security Network (ESN) of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
It read in part: “At the early hours of today (November 13, 2024), troops of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDOKA 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 Biafra (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 vehicle that was used for the attack. However, in the ensuing firefight, two soldiers paid the supreme price.”
The statement solicited information that could assist the Army in apprehending the fleeing attackers.
“The Joint Task Force South East Operation UDOKA is calling and appealing to the good people of the South East, 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 South East 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.”