The terrorists, who also burnt the soldiers’ patrol truck, were said to be enforcing the sit-at-home order declared by IPOB across the South-East region to mark the Biafra Day, which is celebrated annually in the region.
The identities of the soldiers murdered by gunmen suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN have been revealed.
SaharaReporters had on Thursday reported how the gunmen opened fire on a military checkpoint in Obikabia junction in Aba, Abia State.
The terrorists, who also burnt the soldiers’ patrol truck, were said to be enforcing the sit-at-home order declared by IPOB across the South-East region to mark the Biafra Day, which is celebrated annually in the region.
The heavily armed men, clad in black outfits, were seen sporadically firing shots at the junction.
In a military signal on Friday, the army authorities said two Sergeants, two Corporal and one Lance Corporal with 6 civilians were killed in the cross fire.
The soldiers were identified as Sergeant Charles Ugochukwu (94NA/38/1467), Sergeant Bala Abraham (03NA/53/1028), Corporal Gideon Egwe (10NA/65/7085), Corporal Ikpeama Ikechukwu (13NA/70/5483) and Corporal Augustine Emmanuel (13NA/70/6663).
The signal read further, “On 30 May 24, at about 0830 hrs, troops of 144 Battalion deployed at Obikabia Junction Federal School Road, Ogbor Hill in Obingwa LGA were attacked by unknown gunmen suspected to be IPOB/ESN members.
“Gunmen who were enforcing Sit-At-Home order numbering about 30, stormed troops location in 3 black Toyota Land Cruiser Jeeps and opened fire during which 5 x Soldiers were killed.”