Biafra Heroes Day: Tension As Gunmen Engage Soldiers In Gun Battle, Two Feared Killed, Patrol Van Burnt

There is palpable tension in Aba, Abia State as some gunmen enforcing the sit-at-home order of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) reportedly engaged soldiers at Obikabia Junction in a shootout.

A resident told newsmen that two soldiers were killed by the enforcers of the sit-at-home order but the military and the police have not confirmed this.

The hoodlums also burnt a military patrol vehicle and some shops in the area.

Although, SaharaReporters could not immediately ascertain whether anyone died in the shootout, videos of the incident seen by SaharaReporters on Thursday morning show a lone soldier armed with a rifle running to hide in a shop as their patrol van burns.

A voice in one of the videos says, “This Army man is the only surviving person here. He was the only person that ran away. He was the only person that ran away. Jesus!”

In another video of the incident, no fewer than nine gunmen are seen shooting and pursuing soldiers at a junction. The gunmen dressed in war gear drove in a convoy of SUVs.

“I’m hearing gunshots within Obikabia axis of waterside and someone just called me now to affirm it,” an eyewitness told SaharaReporters.

When the Abia State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, was contacted, she confirmed the attack but referred our reporter to the military for more information.

“I am working on the incident and whatever I get, I will relay it to you. On the military incident, you can speak with the military spokesperson in Ohafia,” she said.

When contacted, the Army spokesperson in 14 Brigade Command in Ohafia, Abia State, Lt. Prince Innocent Omale, confirmed the attack but did not provide details.

He said: “We got the information and we are preparing to go there as we speak. I cannot tell you whether anybody was killed or not until we get there and ascertain what happened and how it happened. But our men are moving there right now.”