By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The military high command has vowed a fierce response to the attack on its personnel in Abia.
A statement on Friday by the Defence Headquarters spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, said it had become imperative for the military to “retaliate against this dastardly act against troops”.
Troops of OPERATION UDO KA deployed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area adjourning Aba metropolis in Abia State, on Thursday, came under attack by terrorists of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN). The unprovoked attack led to the loss of 5 military personnel. The terrorist group were said to have been enforcing their May 30 sit-at-home directive to honour “our heroes and heroines” who died in the civil war between 1967 and 1970.
The statement said, “the armed forces mourns the death of these troops as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss. Meanwhile, investigation are ongoing concerning the attack”.
Buba further reiterated that attacks on military personnel by terrorists is always aided by the people with whom they mingle, “and this situation is no exemption”. He said winning the war against terrorists and their cohorts without the support of the people is “close to impossible”.
“We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat”, Buba avowed.
