There is palpable tension in the commercial city of Aba, Abia State, over the Army threat to hit back over the killing of its men by persons believed to be renegade members of proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).
Many residents are said to be reconsidering temporary relocation for fear of falling prey to the anger of soldiers, who are bitter over their colleagues that were mowed down.
Even the residents are said to be angry that the IPOB men killed their own tribesmen (Army men of Igbo extraction) in their unbridled desire for blood.
They hope, according to comments on social media platforms, that Governor Alex Otti is able to reach an agreement to save the “refurbished commercial city”, amid speculations that the gunmen may not be from Aba “but nearby states known for bloodletting.”
Other suggestions point at fifth columnists seeking to under Otti by precipitating an attack on Aba to undo the governor’s good works there.
Nevertheless, the Military High Command has promised to bring overwhelming military pressure IPOB over the killing of the five soldiers at a checkpoint at Aba on Wednesday.
The Directorr of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
Mr Buba said the military would be fierce in its response to the dastard act and would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat.
He said the troops of Operation UDOKA deployed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Areas adjourning Aba metropolis in Abia were attacked and sadly killed by terrorist of IPOB/ESN.
According to him, the troops deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were mass attacked by the terrorists.
He said the terrorists who were in three tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint, sprang a surprise attack on the checkpoint.
“The attack sadly took the lives of five personnel of the armed forces.
“The armed forces mourns these troops as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss.
“Meanwhile, investigation are ongoing concerning the attack.
“Overall, it must be reiterated that the lifeline of the terrorist is the people and this situation is no exemption.
“Winning the war without the support of the people is close to impossible and the IPOB capitalised on this to perpetrate attacks on the troops.
“The situation leave more to be desired.
“Accordingly, it is absolutely imperative that the military retaliate against this dastardly act against troops.
“The military would be fierce in its response. We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat,” he said.
● Additional report by NAN
