In the aftermath of a violent ambush that left five soldiers dead at a checkpoint in Abia State, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has categorically denied any involvement in the attack.
The separatist group’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, issued a statement distancing IPOB from the incident and pointing to political elements as the real culprits.
The attack occurred on Thursday, coinciding with the day IPOB designated to commemorate Biafra Day. Gunmen ambushed a military checkpoint, opening fire and resulting in the tragic deaths of the soldiers. Despite the timing, IPOB has refuted any connections to the violent act.
“Those responsible for this attack on the military at their checkpoint in Aba are politicians,” stated Emma Powerful.
He warned that these politicians are aiming to destabilize the state and urged Governor Alex Otti to remain vigilant against those targeting Aba for disruption.
Powerful emphasized that IPOB’s activities on Biafra Day were focused on peaceful remembrance of those who died during the Biafran War.
“We are much engaged with sit-at-home to remember our fallen heroes and heroines who died during the genocidal war against Biafrans and Ndi Igbo,” he stated, condemning the attack and labeling the perpetrators as criminals, not members of IPOB.
Meanwhile, the Abia State Government has responded by offering a N25 million bounty for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the attack. Okey Kanu,
The Commissioner for Information and Culture, announced the bounty and expressed the government’s condolences to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, and the broader military community.
The government underscored its commitment to maintaining security and peace in the state, viewing the attack as a direct challenge to its efforts to restore public infrastructure and attract investments to Aba.
“The security formations have been directed to treat informants with all the confidentiality required to guarantee their full cooperation and assistance until the criminals are fully apprehended and brought to book,” the statement read.
The government also reassured residents and businesses of their safety, encouraging them to continue their daily activities without fear.
In a broader appeal, the state government urged citizens with any information on criminal activities to come forward, ensuring that their identities would be protected.
This appeal is part of a broader effort to engage the community in safeguarding the state against those seeking to undermine its stability and progress.
The tragic attack and the subsequent denials by IPOB highlight the ongoing tension and complexity of security issues in Abia State and the broader southeastern region of Nigeria
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