Gunmen launched an attack on an army checkpoint early Wednesday morning in Ekenobizi, a border community between Abia and Imo states, located in Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government Area, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers.
A military source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated that the assault occurred at approximately 6:18 AM. The attackers, who arrived in a white Lexus (350/400 model), left the exact number of assailants unclear.
Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu, of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, confirmed the incident in a press release: “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, “During the attack, 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.”
The Joint Task Force has called on residents of the South East, particularly those in Abia State, to provide credible information that could help track down the fleeing attackers and combat criminal elements in the region. The force emphasized its continued commitment to protecting lives and property by global best practices and the rules of engagement.
