Crime & SecurityNewsNigeriaMilitary Vows “Overwhelming Pressure” After Soldiers’ Deaths in Abia

The Nigerian military has vowed to take action following the killing of five soldiers in Aba, Abia State, on Thursday, 30th May.

The soldiers were ambushed at Obikabia junction in Ogbor Hill. Videos circulating on social media show the assailants setting fire to a military vehicle after shooting dead the soldiers. The streets were deserted during the attack.

The incident, which took place on Biafra Remembrance Day, has heightened tensions in the southeastern region.

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, a separatist group agitating for an independent Biafran state, had called for a sit-at-home order across the southeastern region on 30th May in observance of the Biafra Remembrance Day, which the group had declared to mourn those lost in the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970).

The Defence Headquarters condemned the attack, calling it a “dastardly act” and promising a brutal retaliation.

Edward Buba, director of Defence Media Operations, said the soldiers were killed in a “surprise attack” on a military post. He said the attack was allegedly orchestrated by members of the IPOB.

“It is absolutely 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,” Buba said.

The statement did not specify the form this “overwhelming military pressure” would take, but it raises concerns about a potential escalation of violence.

While the situation in Abia State remains tense, the governors of the five Southeastern States have given their backing to the military.

Hope Uzodimma, the Governor of Imo State and chairman of the southeast governors’ forum, urged the Nigerian military to “Go all out and ensure that those behind it (the attack) are caught and brought to book.”