Governor Otti Vows Justice for Soldiers Killed in Abia Checkpoint Attack

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has expressed his condolences to the Nigerian Army following a deadly attack on a military checkpoint in Umuahia South Local Government Area that claimed the lives of several soldiers.

In a letter addressed to the acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and made available to journalists on Saturday, Governor Otti condemned the “barbaric killing” of five soldiers by unidentified assailants in the boundary town of Umuopara.

“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,” the governor wrote in the letter dated November 14, 2024.

He described the attack as “unwarranted and mindless,” emphasizing that the soldiers had been steadfast in their duty to protect lives and property in the state.

Governor Otti extended his condolences to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Enugu; the Commander of 14 Brigade, Ohafia; the Commanding Officer of 145 Battalion, Umuahia; and the families of the fallen soldiers.

Recalling a similar attack in May at Obikabia Junction near Aba, the governor noted that the masterminds of that incident had been apprehended through a collaborative effort with security agencies. He pledged that his administration would work tirelessly to bring the perpetrators of the recent attack to justice.

“The Abia State Government will not rest until the perpetrators of this dastardly act are apprehended and dealt with accordingly,” he said, adding that a thorough investigation would be conducted to unmask those behind the attack.

Governor Otti also promised to personally reach out to the families of the soldiers affected, offering support as they mourn their loved ones.

The attack occurred early Wednesday morning at around 6:18 a.m. at the Ekenobizi community near the Abia/Imo boundary.