Gunmen kill soldiers at checkpoint in Abia state, burn patrol vehicle
Gunmen on Thursday attacked a military checkpoint located in Obikabia Junction in the commercial city of Aba, in Abia state, killing at least four soldiers and another injured, an incident said to have occurred at about 8: 00 a.m.
Penpushing reports that the gunmen numbering about 15, were said to be enforcing a sit-at-home order declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) across the South-East to mark the Biafra Day which is celebrated annually in the region.
The sources said the hoodlums, who were masked, stormed the junction and opened fire on the soldiers adding that four of the soldiers were killed during the attack while one other soldier was seriously injured.
‘Four of the soldiers were killed. The other soldier sustained serious gunshot injury. I am not sure he will survive it. The gunmen came in black Highlander (SUV). Even some ordinary people sustained gunshot injuries’, the source added.
Penpushing further reports that some video clips showing the masked gunmen during the attack on the soldiers have been circulating on Facebook and other social media platforms, and one of the clips, some armed men, dressed in black attire, were seen firing sporadic gunshots around the junction, where a military patrol truck was parked.
The fear-stricken residents were seen in another video clip running helter-skelter to avoid becoming victims of the gunshot, while it was noticed that an armed soldier was sighted apparently surveying the area to ascertain if the hoodlums had left.
Penpushing also reports that the spokesperson of the 14 Brigade of the Nigeria army in Ohafia, Abia State, Lieutenant Innocent Omale, as at the time of filing this report was yet to make any official statement over the ugly development. did not respond to calls and a text message seeking his comments.
The spokesperson of the 82 Division of the army, Lieutenant Jonah Unuakhalu, in same vein, when contacted refused to confirm the attack but promised to revert, but as at the time of filing this report did not respond to subsequent calls seeking his comments.
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