Violence erupted in Aba, Abia State, yesterday as gunmen attacked a military checkpoint at Obikabia Junction, resulting in the death of at least four soldiers. The assailants, approximately 15 in number and masked, were reportedly enforcing a sit-at-home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to commemorate Biafra Day, an annual observance in the Southeast region.
Footage of the attack surfaced on social media platforms, showing armed individuals in black attire firing shots near the junction and setting a military patrol truck ablaze, prompting fear and chaos among local residents.
The attack highlights ongoing tensions in the region, where IPOB’s activities have frequently clashed with state security forces. Following the incident, an army spokesperson was seen assessing the damage and confirming the survival of one soldier who managed to escape.
The president of Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, publicly distanced himself and the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, from the violence, asserting that Kanu had not sanctioned the sit-at-home order. Iwuanyanwu also visited Kanu, currently held by the Department of State Services (DSS), and called on President Bola Tinubu to leverage his political authority to secure Kanu’s release. He further advocated for a restructuring of the country to address ongoing regional tensions.
In response to the violence, the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) condemned the attack, attributing it to criminal elements exploiting the Biafra cause to commit crimes and destabilize the newly instituted government of Governor Alex Otti in Abia State. COSEYL President Goodluck Ibem emphasized the tragedy of the attack on soldiers performing their duties without provocation and urged collaborative efforts to apprehend those responsible.
This violent episode coincided with a broader shutdown in the Southeast, as many residents adhered to the IPOB’s directive. Economic activities were severely affected, with businesses closed and streets deserted. In Enugu, even as banks and other businesses shuttered, some students proceeded with their exams under heightened security.
The Defence Headquarters has issued a stern warning against further unprovoked attacks on military personnel, highlighting recent assaults in Delta State and Abuja. The military disclosed that it had neutralized 624 terrorists in May and arrested over a thousand, underscoring the challenges of maintaining national security amidst internal unrest.
This event underscores the deep-seated issues in the region, reflecting the complex interplay between national security, regional autonomy, and the legacy of the Nigerian Civil War. As the government and IPOB continue to clash, the quest for a peaceful resolution remains fraught with difficulty.
Source: The Guardian
