Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reached out to the Nigerian Army, pledging relentless efforts to ensure those responsible for the killing of five soldiers at a checkpoint in Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government Area, are brought to justice.
The governor expressed his heartfelt condolences and strongly condemned the tragic attack on the army checkpoint, describing it as a reprehensible act.
The ambush, which occurred at the boundary town of Ekenobizi in the early hours of Wednesday, November 13, 2024, resulted in the death of five soldiers and left several others injured.
In a letter dated November 14, 2024, and addressed to the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, the Governor described the incident as “unfortunate and barbaric.” Copies of the letter were made available to newsmen on Saturday.
Otti stated, “It is with a deep sense of loss that I write to commiserate with you over the unfortunate and barbaric killing of five soldiers by yet-to-be-identified assailants at the boundary town of Umuopara, in Umuahia South LGA of my state.
“Indeed, this unwarranted and mindless attack targeted at our gallant soldiers who have remained steadfast in ensuring the security of lives and property in Abia State is highly condemnable.”
The governor extended his condolences to the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Enugu; the Commander of the 14 Brigade, Ohafia; and the Commanding Officer of the 145 Battalion, Umuahia, from which the soldiers were drawn.
He further conveyed his sympathies to the families of the fallen and injured soldiers, noting, “Please, also extend my deep condolences to the immediate families of the gallant soldiers who paid the supreme price as well as those who were injured during the attack.”
Otti recalled a similar incident earlier in the year, saying, “On May 30th, this year, a similar event happened at the Obikabia Junction near Aba. Together with your men and other security agencies, we started a manhunt for the criminals, and luckily, the masterminds have since been apprehended.”
He vowed to bring the perpetrators of the latest attack to justice, assuring the Army of his administration’s commitment to a collaborative investigation.
“Let me assure you that the Abia State Government will not rest until the perpetrators of this dastardly act are apprehended and dealt with accordingly. My administration is poised to join hands with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation to unmask those behind the attack,” he pledged.
The governor also highlighted plans to provide support to the affected families, stating, “In due course, I will make contact with the immediate families of all the soldiers affected to support them as they mourn their loved ones.”
