The Nigerian military has confirmed an attack on its troops by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Abia State on Thursday. The attack, which occurred at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area, resulted in the death of five military personnel.
According to Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, the terrorists attacked the troops in a surprise assault, coming from built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint in three tinted Toyota Prado SUVs and other vehicles. Six civilians were also killed in the crossfire that ensued.
The military has vowed to retaliate the attack, promising a brutal response. “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.
The attack occurred while IPOB/ESN was enforcing a sit-at-home order across the south-east. The group had declared May 30 as a sit-at-home to honour “our heroes and heroines” who died in the civil war between 1967 and 1970.
The President of Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has distanced himself and the detained leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, from the killing of the soldiers. He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to use his political power to free Kanu and also called for the restructuring of the country.
