Mohammed Shosanya
The Nigerian Army has hinted that it will retaliate against the death of five soldiers by terrorists in Abia State.
Five soldiers and six civilians were said to have lost their lives during a clash between troops of the armed forces of Nigeria and suspected IPOB/ ESN terrorists in Abia state.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba in a statement, on Friday to newsmen,said:The military would be fierce in its response. We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat.”
He disclosed that troops of OP UDO KA deployed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Areas adjourning Aba metropolis in Abia State were attacked and sadly killed by terrorist of IPOB/ ESN.
He said:”The troops deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were massed attacked by the terrorists.
“The terrorist in three tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from builtup areas surrounding the checkpoint, sprang a surprise attack on the checkpoint.
“The attack sadly took the lifes of five personnel of the armed forces killed in action while six civilians were killed in the cross fire.
“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.”
Buba emphasized that the IPOB capitalised on this to perpetrate attacks on the troops. The situation, he added “leaves more to be desired.”
