Some soldiers have been killed by suspected Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) militants enforcing the sit-at-home order in Abia State.

Daily Trust had reported how the proscribed group, through its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, declared May 30 as sit-at-home in the South East.

He said it was to honour “our heroes and heroines” who died in the civil war between 1967 and 1970.

Powerful said: “Annually, 30th of May is a solemn memorial day for Biafrans. To honor our heroes and heroines, Biafrans are asked to observe this one (1) day sit-at-home in reverence to the spirits of our departed heroes who fought for us to be alive today.

“Every Biafran in Biafra territory is expected to sit-at-home on this day and reflect on the danger of the forced unity called Nigeria that has taken millions of lives of Biafrans.

“To that effect, IPOB directs all schools, government offices, Private offices, Banks, transport unions, market unions and private individuals to shut down all operations in honor of our heroes and heroines on Thursday, May 30, 2024.

“IPOB directs all the residents of Biafra Land to stay indoors from 6am to 6pm on the 30th of May 2024. IPOB warns residents in Biafra to avoid loitering about on this day. Those who intend to travel to and fro Biafra land must do so before the evening of May 29th.”

Daily Trust reports that the military men were attacked at Obikabia junction in Aba, Abia State, by over 15 masked gunmen who also set their patrol van on fire.

A trending video showed the assailants shooting sporadically before setting the military van ablaze.

Commenting on the incident, a male voice was heard saying, “This army man is the only surviving person here. He was the only person that ran away.”

“Does anybody here have a motorcycle?” another person in the video said.

The gunmen operated with an SUV jeep and a Sienna.

Filling stations, banks, restaurants, and major supermarkets shut down across the five states for fear of being attacked by non-state actors.

Reacting to the attack, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, said it was “unwarranted, outrageous, unjust, cruel and absolutely condemnable”.

Kalu who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State said that Aba people better known for their enterprising spirit and technical skills cannot be hoodwinked to think that locking up their shops and closing their businesses to stay at home was in their best interest.

Kalu in statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, reminded the people that Aba is the commercial nerve centre of the South East and as such plays host to people from all walks of life.

Kalu also urged them not to trade their known hospitality with violence, saying that it is alien to the culture of Ndi Igbo.

Kalu commiserated with the families of the victims, assuring the military hierarchy of legislative interventions to help unravel the masterminds of the attack and ensure that the unhealthy development does not reoccur in the future.

Two soldiers who were killed in the faceoff with unknown gunmen at Obikabia in Aba, Abia state have been identified

Rest in Peace gallant soldiers

TWO SOLDIERS - SERGEANT CHARLES UGOCHUKWU AND CORPORAL IKPEAMA IKECHUKWU FROM ABIA STATE WERE AMONG THE SOLDIERS KILLED BY THE YET-TO-BE-IDENTIFIED GUNMEN AT OBIKABIA JUNCTION, ABA THURSDAY

May God grant their souls eternal rest, amen

swagana:
Needless wasting of life.ESN/UGM should not turn Aba into another Orlu zone.We need peace in Abia state not war.
I hope the security agents will go after the killers not innocent citizens.

Chinjo2:
I laugh when I see people from the South East jubilating and supporting ESN. That was exactly how northerners were supporting Boko Haram in 2009. Today what do you see I'm the north? They should keep killing themselves in the name of enforcing sit at home. By the time they realize the harm they have done to themselves, it will be too late.

igwebuike01:

You have been saying this nonsense since eternity yet statistics of killing and kidnapping shows SE is least affected. Anyway, una oga ask weather na statistics una go chop

igwebuike01:

You have been saying this nonsense since eternity yet statistics of killing and kidnapping shows SE is least affected. Anyway, una oga ask weather na statistics una go chop

igwebuike01:

No innocent citizen was killed

Chinjo2:
I laugh when I see some people from the South East jubilating and supporting ESN. That was exactly how some northerners were supporting Boko Haram in 2009. Boko Haram claimed to have come to extablish Shari'a all over the north same way Ipob/ESN are claiming to be fighting for Biafra. Today what do you see I'm the north? They should keep killing themselves in the name of enforcing sit at home. By the time they realize the harm they have done to themselves, it will be too late.

YorubaForum:
Will fulanis in ilorin be brought to justice too?

Chinjo2:
I laugh when I see some people from the South East jubilating and supporting ESN. That was exactly how some northerners were supporting Boko Haram in 2009. Boko Haram claimed to have come to extablish Shari'a all over the north same way Ipob/ESN are claiming to be fighting for Biafra. Today what do you see I'm the north? They should keep killing themselves in the name of enforcing sit at home. By the time they realize the harm they have done to themselves, it will be too late.

Chinjo2:
I laugh when I see some people from the South East jubilating and supporting ESN. That was exactly how some northerners were supporting Boko Haram in 2009. Boko Haram claimed to have come to extablish Shari'a all over the north same way Ipob/ESN are claiming to be fighting for Biafra. Today what do you see I'm the north? They should keep killing themselves in the name of enforcing sit at home. By the time they realize the harm they have done to themselves, it will be too late.

BondRiv:


Just because the governors in your region are clueless cowards and allow lawlessness, doesn't mean others should. When they attempted it in Rivers State, they got it hot from Wike. Those terrorists will also get it hot from the soldiers. Don't come here to cry.

BondRiv:


Just because the governors in your region are clueless cowards and allow lawlessness, doesn't mean others should. When they attempted it in Rivers State, they got it hot from Wike. Those terrorists will also get it hot from the soldiers. Don't come here to cry.

obiekunie01:


these lies and destruction you go from thread to thread heaping on southeast will all return 200 folds to you and your entire family and generation!

immense destruction will meet you at your door to progress and destroy you completely!

beast of the land and avian of the sky will feed o your remain! mark today, you will not live to see good in your life!

obiekunie01:


these lies and destruction you go from thread to thread heaping on southeast will all return 200 folds to you and your entire family and generation!

immense destruction will meet you at your door to progress and destroy you completely!

beast of the land and avian of the sky will feed o your remain! mark today, you will not live to see good in your life!

ibtommy:
.
Stop shying away from the truth,bro. You shall know the truth and it will make you free. For me, FG should just release Biafra. Among many victims of ESN/IPOD is Dora's husband: may his would rest rest in peace. I also remember the intending couple that were massacred gruesomely. If releasing Biafra will put an end to this killings, so let it be, Lord.