Crime

Aba Soldiers Killing: How Senator Was Forced Out Of His Vehicle By Soldiers In Abia State

Published by Tope Fakinlede on June 2nd, 2024.

Aba Soldiers Killing: How Senator Was Forced Out Of His Vehicle By Soldiers In Abia State

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, experienced a tense encounter with soldiers who forced him out of his armored Land Cruiser following the killing of five military personnel at a checkpoint in Obikabia junction, Aba, Abia State.

The incident arose after unknown assailants, identified by the military as members of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), ambushed and killed five soldiers during the May 30 Biafra Day commemorations. In retaliation, security forces increased their presence and implemented roadblocks in strategic areas of Aba North Local Government, affecting nearby villages in Obingwa.

En route to a funeral in Obingwa, Abaribe’s vehicle was halted at a military checkpoint in Itu Ngwa village. Despite attempts by his police detail, Joe, to clarify his identity, the soldiers insisted that Abaribe exit his vehicle. He complied and was briefly detained before being allowed to proceed.

At the funeral, Abaribe shared with attendees that after being detained and humiliated, he contacted Governor Alex Otti, urging the issuance of a statement to ease tensions. However, Otti declined, fearing it might exacerbate the situation.

On his way home, Abaribe was again stopped by another group of soldiers who ordered him out of his SUV. He reiterated his position as a senator but was detained for a while before being released. Abaribe then diverted to Umuahia instead of heading to his village in Ohuru, Obingwa, and returned to Abuja on the earliest flight the next day.

In the wake of these events, the Nigerian Army vowed a strong response to the killing of their personnel. Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed that IPOB/ESN members were responsible for the attack, which involved terrorists in tinted Prado SUVs launching a surprise assault on the checkpoint. The army mourned the loss of the soldiers and emphasized that an aggressive military response would follow to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.

It’s pertinent to recall that Abaribe previously signed a bail bond for IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, who violated his bail conditions and was re-arrested. IPOB had recently called for a sit-at-home protest on May 30 to mark Biafra Day.