Nigerian Defence Headquarters Reassures Abia Community, Pledges Targeted Action Against Perpetrators
Nigerian Defence Headquarters Reassures Abia Community, Pledges Targeted Action Against Perpetrators
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has assured residents of Ekenobizi in Umuahia South Local Government Area, Abia State, of their safety following the tragic killing of three soldiers at a military checkpoint.
In a statement released on Thursday, Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, sought to calm the growing anxiety within the community, emphasizing that the military will not resort to indiscriminate actions against civilians.
“To those expressing fear that troops will come and start killing everybody, this is not true,” Major General Buba said, addressing concerns about possible reprisals. He reassured residents that the military remains a professional force adhering to strict rules of engagement.
Buba further stated that the focus of the ongoing operations will be on the perpetrators of the attack, whom he alleged to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). “We will not target civilians, but those behind the attack will face consequences. Our troops will bring the terrorists to justice,” he added.
The attack, which occurred on November 13, left three soldiers dead. According to reports, gunmen dressed in black ambushed a checkpoint in the Umuopara, Ekenobizi area near the boundary between Abia and Imo states. A video shared online showed the assailants firing at the checkpoint while one of them issued threats to Abia State Governor Alex Otti.
In the video, one of the attackers declared: “Alex Chioma Otti, we’re giving you people direct orders. We say we don’t need this kind of nonsense again. If we see this nonsense again, Alex, you are gone.”
The Defence Headquarters reiterated its commitment to pursuing those responsible while ensuring the safety of innocent residents in the affected area. It also vowed to prevent further violence, urging calm among the community.
