Gunmen attacked an army checkpoint in Ekenobizi, a border community between Abia and Imo states in Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government Area.
The attack, which took place around 6:18 a.m. on Wednesday, left two soldiers dead.
According to a military source who wished to remain anonymous, the attackers arrived in a white Lexus, though the number of gunmen remains unclear.
Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA confirmed the incident in a press release on Wednesday.
He stated, “In the early hours of today, 13 November 2024, troops of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, deployed at a checkpoint along the Umuahia–Owerri Road in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, came under attack by the irredentist group Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network.”
He added that the soldiers bravely fought back, forcing the attackers to retreat. “The gallant troops were able to repel the assault, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray with gunshot wounds, abandoning one Sienna and one Lexus Jeep used in the attack. However, in the ensuing firefight, two soldiers paid the supreme price,” Unuakhalu said.
The Joint Task Force urged residents of the South East, especially in Abia, to provide credible information that could help locate the attackers and support efforts to maintain security.
The force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property according to global standards and rules of engagement.
