Military Reopens Umuahia/Owerri Road One Week After Attack On Checkpoint

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigeria Military, after over seven days of closure, has finally opened Abia’s major route to, and from Imo state.

The all-important Umuahia/Mbaise/Owerri road was, on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, closed to traffic by  Military authorities, following the killing of three of their personnel by gunmen.

Some yet to be identified gunmen had attacked and killed the three soldiers at a military checkpoint in Ekenobisi ,Umuokpara, along the Umuahia/ Owerri road in the morning of that day.

The armed men, also, dismantled the checkpoint, and destroyed all the sand bags used in its formation.

They later posted  a video of the unfortunate incident, wherein they also railed at the Abia State Governor and security agencies operating in the State.

The killing expectedly elicited widespread condemnation both from the Government and groups.

Governor Alex Otti, while describing the incident as unacceptable, also, assured that every legal step will be explored to unmask the perpetrators of the dastardly act.

Regrettably, however, military operatives, since the sad incident closed the interstate road to traffic ,a development that unleashed untold pains and economic hardships on the already suffering populace .

The Military finally bowed to persistent appeal and pressure and the reopened the road on Wednesday November, 20, one week after the killings.

The Commanding Officer of the 145 Battalion, Umuahia, Major Martin Domkat, led a delegation of the Military authorities to the reopening exercise.

The Special Adviser to the Governor, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (rtd) who led the Government team, while interacting with the media,  informed that the affected military checkpoint will be relocated to the Onuimo River for a more effective operation.

According to him ,the location of the attacked checkpoint,was not conducive enough for operational efficiency by the military.

While commending the supportive roles of the community’s traditional ruler and other leaders in facilitating the checkpoint relocation, Commander Ubah called for more cooperation with the military in its efforts to halt the security challenges facing the state.

He expressed satisfaction that the community leaders have already pledged to collaborate and share  intelligence with the military on its renewed commitment to combating insecurity.