Gunmen kill two soldiers in Abia checkpoint attack

Gunmen attacked an army checkpoint in Ekenobizi, a border community between Abia and Imo states, early Wednesday morning, killing two soldiers.

The attack occurred about 6:18 am, according to a military source.

The gunmen arrived at the scene in a white Lexus 350/400 model, but the exact number of attackers remains unclear.

Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA confirmed the incident in a press statement on Wednesday.

He said: “In the early hours of today, 13 November 2024, troops of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, deployed at a checkpoint along the Umuahia-Owerri Road in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, came under attack by the irredentist group Indigenous People’s of Biafra and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network.

“During the attack, the gallant troops were able to repel the assault, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray with gunshot wounds, abandoning one Sienna and one Lexus Jeep used in the attack.

“However, in the ensuing firefight, two soldiers paid the supreme price.”

The Joint Task Force urged residents of Abia State and the Southeast region to come forward with any credible information that could aid in tracking down the attackers who are currently at large and bringing an end to criminal activity in the area.

The force reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding lives and property, adhering to globally recognized standards and engagement protocols.