Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Nigerian Military, has vowed to fiercely retaliate the killing of five soldiers in Aba on Thursday by hoodlums.
Director Defence Media Operations, Major Gen. Edward Buba, in a statement Friday, regretted that innocent soldiers in peace keeping mission had become targets by criminals.
He said that the military would bring overwhelming military pressure on the perpetrators of the dastardly act.
The statement read: “Troops of OP UDO KA deployed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area adjourning Aba metropolis in Abia State were attacked and sadly killed by terrorist of IPOB/ ESN. The troops deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were mass-attacked by the terrorists. The terrorists in 3 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 terrorists 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 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.”
Recall that five soldiers were allegedly killed by armed hoodlums in Aba on Thursday which was declared as sit-at-home by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, to honour of those who lost their lives during the civil war.
Nationwide condemnation has trailed the barbaric killing.
