Contrary to reports, no fewer than five soldiers were killed by rampaging miscreants of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) on Thursday in Abia State, Nigeria, during a sit-at-home order by the outlawed secessionist group.
This was disclosed by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, during a press briefing on Friday in Abuja.
IPoB miscreants in action
He vowed that the Nigerian Army will retaliate and bring the terrorists to their knees with maximum force.
Buba urged people of the South East to stop giving support to the outlawed group, saying that “the lifeline of the terrorists is the people.”
The statement read thus:
“Troops of OP UDOKA deployed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Areas adjourning Aba metropolis in Abia State were attacked and sadly killed by terrorists of IPOB/ ESN.
“The troops deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were massed attacked by the terrorists.
“The terrorists in three 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 lives of five personnel of the armed forces in action.
“The armed forces mourn the death of these troops as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss.
“Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing concerning the attack.
“Overall, it must be reiterated that the lifeline of the terrorists 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.”
