Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has pledged justice for the five soldiers killed during an attack on an army checkpoint in the Umuopara community, Umuahia South Local Government Area, by unidentified gunmen.
In a letter addressed to the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and made public on Saturday, Governor Otti condemned the incident as “unwarranted and barbaric.” The letter, dated November 14, 2024, expressed the governor’s deep condolences to the Nigerian Army, including the GOC 82 Division, Enugu; the Commander, 14 Brigade, Ohafia; and the Commanding Officer, 145 Battalion, Umuahia.
Otti described the slain soldiers as “gallant” and commended their dedication to ensuring the security of lives and property in Abia State. He also extended his sympathy to the immediate families of the deceased, promising to personally reach out to support them.
“It is with a deep sense of loss that I write to commiserate with you over the unfortunate and barbaric killing of five soldiers by yet-to-be-identified assailants at the boundary town of Umuopara, in Umuahia South LGA of my state,” the governor wrote. “This mindless attack targeted at our gallant soldiers is highly condemnable.”
Recalling a similar attack at Obikabia Junction in Aba earlier this year, Otti noted that collaborative efforts between security agencies and the state government led to the arrest of the masterminds of that incident. He vowed to adopt the same resolute approach in bringing the perpetrators of this recent attack to justice.
“The Abia State Government will not rest until the perpetrators of this dastardly act are apprehended and dealt with accordingly,” Otti assured. “My administration is poised to join hands with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation to unmask those behind the attack.”
The checkpoint attack, which occurred early Wednesday morning at about 6:18 a.m. in the Ekenobizi community near the Abia/Imo boundary, left several soldiers dead. Governor Otti reiterated his commitment to ensuring the safety of Abia residents and supporting the families of the fallen soldiers during this period of mourning.
