Following the tragic demise of some soldiers in Aba, Abia State, the Nigerian military on Friday mourned the deaths of five Operation Udoka officers who were killed in action by alleged members of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB).
New Telegraph gathered that the soldiers were murdered while on assignment at the Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Areas, which adjourns the Aba city in Abia state.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, said an inquiry into the incident is ongoing, and that each soldier killed in battle is a tragic loss.
The military reported that six people were killed in the crossfire.
“The troops deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were massed and attacked by the terrorists.
“The terrorists in 3 tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from built up areas surrounding the checkpoint, sprang a surprise attack on the checkpoint.
“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 capitalized 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,” the statement said.
New Telegraph
