The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Friday confirmed the killing of five soldiers by terrorists of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Abia State on Thursday.
It vowed to retaliate the killings.
This was contained in a statement made available to defence correspondents in Abuja by the director of Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Edward Buba
General Buba added that “six civilians were killed in the cross fire between the gallant troops and the gun-wielding terrorists”.
He assured that “the military would be fierce in its response as it would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat”.
He explained that the soldiers attached to OP UDO KA were killed at a check point at Obikabia in Obingwa Local Government Area adjoining Aba metropolis in Abia State, on Thursday.
“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.
“The troops deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were massed attacked by the terrorist. The terrorist in 3 tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint sprang a surprise attack on the checkpoint.
“The attack sadly took the life of five personnel of the armed forces killed in action.
The armed forces mourn 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 reiterated 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. The IPOB capitalised on this to perpetrate attacks on the troops. The situation leaves more to be desired.
“Accordingly, it is absolutely imperative that the military retaliate against this dastardly act against troops. The military would be fierce in its response. We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat”, he said.
