Killing Of Soldiers In Abia: Gov Otti Assures  Assailants Will Be Arrested

By Ayodele Oni

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti  has commiserated with the Nigerian Army over the killing of five soldiers by yet-to-be-identified assailants at the boundary town of Umuopara, in Umuahia South local government area.

This was contained in a letter  written to the Nigerian Army regarding the recent attack on an army checkpoint in Umuahia, which resulted in the deaths of some soldiers.

The letter, dated November 14, 2024, and personally signed by Governor Otti, was addressed to the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede. It was made available to the press on Saturday.

The Governor said: “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.”

Otti extended his condolences to the GOC 82 Division, Enugu, the Commander, 14 Brigade, Ohafia, and the Commanding Officer, 145 Battalion, Umuahia, where the men were drawn from.

He added “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.”

The governor recalled, “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.

“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.

“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.”

Early Wednesday, around 6:18 AM, gunmen attacked an Army checkpoint at the Ekenobizi community, located at the Abia-Imo boundary in Umuopara, Umuahia South LGA. During the assault, several soldiers tragically lost their lives.