The Abia State Government has placed a N25 million bounty on the killers of five soldiers in the Aba area on Thursday, May 30.
The state government also condoled with the Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja over the incident.
Recall that some unknown gunmen on Thursday stormed the military unit at Obikabia Junction, Ogbor Hill area, and also burnt the unit as well as a patrol van parked in the unit. Some soldiers were alleged to have escaped the attack by the gunmen.
The state government described it as unfortunate and prayed for the repose of the souls of the gallant soldiers who died on active duty.
This was contained in a statement by the state Commissioner for information and culture, Okey Kanu on Friday.
“To underscore its resolve, the State Government is offering a N25 million (Twenty-five Million Naira) reward to anyone with useful information that could lead to the location and arrest of any of the criminals connected to the unfortunate killings, and the subsequent state of apprehension across the city of Aba and environs,” he said.
“The security formations in the State have been directed to treat informants with all the confidentiality required to guarantee their full cooperation and assistance until the criminals are fully apprehended and brought to book.
Meanwhile, the military authorities have confirmed an attack on its troops by the terrorists suspected to be the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The tragic incident has since been condemned by personalities, including the five regional governors of the South-East.
According to the defence spokesman, Major General Edward Buba, the attack took place at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Areas adjourning Aba metropolis, where troops of Operation Udoka were deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens.
He said the terrorists who attacked the troops in the surprise assault, came in three-tinted Toyota Prado SUVs and others, from built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint, adding that six civilians were killed in the crossfire that ensued between the terrorists and the troops.
Buba said investigations are ongoing concerning the attack, stressing the military will retaliate the attack on its troops with their response brutal.
“Troops of OP UDO KA 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 massively 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 5 personnel of the armed forces killed in action.
“The armed forces mourns 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 terrorist 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 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,” the statement read.