In a statement on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, sought to quell growing fears among the community, stating that the military would not retaliate against innocent civilians.
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has reassured residents of Ekenobizi, Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, not to panic following the killing of three soldiers by gunmen at a checkpoint.
In a statement on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, sought to quell growing fears among the community, stating that the military would not retaliate against innocent civilians.
Major General Buba, addressing concerns about possible reprisals, firmly stated, “To those expressing fear that troops will come and start killing everybody, this is not true.”
He further promised that the members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), allegedly responsible for the soldiers' deaths would be relentlessly pursued.
He reassured the innocent citizens of the area, urging them not to panic, saying: “On November 13, our troops were attacked, resulting in three casualties in the South East. For those fearing that troops will indiscriminately harm everyone, that is not true.
“We are a professional force with established rules of engagement. We will not target civilians, but there will be consequences for those behind the attack. Our focus is on the terrorists, and we will bring them to justice. I will keep you informed with good news,” Buba said.
However, the Defence Headquarters vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further violence in the area, assuring residents of their safety.
Earlier in November, SaharaReporters reported that gunmen attacked a military checkpoint in Abia State.
The attack, according to a source, occurred on Wednesday morning at Umuopara, Ekenobizi area of Umuahia South Local Government Area of the state.
“Some gunmen this morning attacked a military checkpoint at Umuopara, Ekenobizi area of Umuahia South Local Government Council, close to Onu Imo, the boundary between Abia and Imo states,” the source told SaharaReporters.
A video showing the aftermath of the attack was also sent to SaharaReporters.
The armed men, clad in black outfits, were seen sporadically firing shots at the checkpoint.
One of them was also heard threatening the governor of the state, Alex Otti.
“We’re removing it, Alex Chioma Otti, we are removing it. Alex, we’re giving you people order. We say we don’t need this kind of nonsense again. Today is 13th of November 2024. Alex, we’re dismantling this checkpoint and we’re giving you a direct order not to come close, if we see this nonsense again, Alex, you are gone. If we see this nonsense again, you are gone Alex,” one of the gunmen was heard saying.