The identities of five soldiers gruesomely murdered by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) during a sit-at-home order have been revealed. The violent incident, which took place on Thursday, also saw vehicles and tricycles set ablaze by rampaging IPOB terrorists.
The military confirmed in a statement on Friday that no fewer than five troops deployed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area, near Aba metropolis, were killed. They have vowed to retaliate for the attacks.
According to reports from Daily Trust, a signal obtained on Friday disclosed that the slain soldiers included two Sergeants, two Corporals, and one Lance Corporal. Additionally, six civilians were killed in the crossfire.
The soldiers were identified as:
1. Sergeant Charles Ugochukwu (94NA/38/1467)
2. Sergeant Bala Abraham (03NA/53/1028)
3. Corporal Gideon Egwe (10NA/65/7085)
4. Corporal Ikpeama Ikechukwu (13NA/70/5483)
5. Corporal Augustine Emmanuel (13NA/70/6663)
The signal further disclosed that the assailants also carted away five AK47 rifles, burned down two military patrol Hilux vehicles, and injured two civilians.
It added that Aba is currently tense, with monitoring still underway to unveil more details on the incident.
The signal read, “On 30 May 24, at about 0830 hrs, troops of 144 Battalion deployed at Obikabia Junction Federal School Road, Ogbor Hill in Obingwa LGA were attacked by unknown gunmen suspected to be IPOB/ESN members.
Gunmen who were enforcing Sit-At-Home order numbering about 30, stormed troops location in 3 black Toyota Land Cruiser Jeeps and opened fire during which 5 x Soldiers were killed.”
As the situation remains critical, authorities continue to monitor and gather more information on this tragic event.