At least five soldiers were killed in Aba, Abia State, when some yet-to-be-identified armed men attacked them at a military checkpoint in Obikabia Junction on Thursday.
The assailants, reportedly 15 in number, were enforcing a sit-at-home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to mark Biafra Day in the state.
Videos circulating on social media showed masked armed men in black attire firing sporadically, with a military patrol truck set ablaze.
Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, President of Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo, distanced himself and IPOB’s detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, from the killings and appealed to President Tinubu to release Kanu. He condemned the violence and called for restructuring the country.
The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) also condemned the attack and killing of soldiers, attributing it to criminals exploiting the Biafra cause to destabilise Governor Alex Otti’s administration.
COSEYL urged public cooperation to apprehend the culprits and expressed sympathy for the military’s loss.
“It is very unfortunate that the soldiers who were peacefully performing their constitutional duties of providing security in the area will be attacked by gunmen without any form of provocation whatsoever. This is completely unacceptable.
“This is the second time a military checkpoint will be attacked by gunmen in the state. This is a strong confirmation that enemies of Abia who are not happy with the transformational performance of Governor Alex Otti are at work to destabilise the state.
“These people are not happy that Abians now have a good road network, improved security, and other democracy dividends which the governor is bringing to doorsteps to make life enjoyable.
“We sympathise and commiserate with the military over this great loss, and we urge the general public to work with the government to bring the culprits to book.
“We call on Governor Alex Otti to remain resolute and steadfast in his determination to make Abia better while working hard to bring to book those enemies of Abia who are hell-bent in destroying the peace Abians are currently enjoying,” he said.
The Defence Headquarters warned against attacks on Armed Forces personnel, citing recent incidents in Okuama community in Delta State and Banex Plaza in Abuja. They emphasised that such actions undermine national security, and will no longer be tolerated.
“The unprovoked killing of 17 personnel in Okuama in Delta State, coupled with the recent assault of unarmed personnel at Banex Plaza in Abuja is worrisome and leaves much to be desired.
“These occurrences are unhealthy for our national security, counterproductive, and amount to self-sabotage.
“Surely, this is no way to treat any human, certainly not military personnel that places himself in harm’s way to protect citizens or to safeguard the nation.
“The military has demonstrated a high sense of discipline and professionalism in the face of untoward attacks. Our professionalism must not be mistaken for weakness,” Director, Defence Operations (DMO), Major General Edward Buba warned.
News Central reported yesterday that economic activities halted in Enugu and other Southeastern states due to the sit-at-home directive.
Banks, businesses, and markets were closed, though some transporters and civil servants continued working.
Students sat for their exams under tight security. There was partial compliance in Abia, where a military vehicle was also torched during a clash with hoodlums.