In a concerning development, the Nigerian Army has remained silent about the reported killing of soldiers in the Obikabia Junction, Ogbor Hill area of Aba, Abia State. The incident, which occurred more than 10 hours ago, has left many seeking answers as a video of the attack went viral on social media.
According to eyewitness reports, gunmen stormed the military unit at approximately 6:45 am, setting fire to the unit and a patrol van parked on the premises. While some soldiers reportedly managed to escape, the exact number of casualties remains unclear.
Attempts to obtain official comments from military and police authorities have been unsuccessful. The Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations did not respond to calls, and when contacted, the spokesperson for the Abia State Police Command, Maureen Chinaka, directed inquiries to the military’s Public Relations Officer, stating, “I refer you all to the military PRO as I do not speak for the military.”
The attackers, believed to be around 15 in number, allegedly launched the assault while enforcing a sit-at-home order issued by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). This order has seen significant compliance across the South-East, affecting daily activities and business operations.
Meanwhile, the Abia State Government, led by Governor Alex Otti, is reportedly engaging with the organizers of the sit-at-home to ensure that the academic interests of students sitting for the West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams are not jeopardized. The Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity told Channels Television that the government aims to avoid unnecessary conflict with the sit-at-home organizers and is coordinating with affected schools to mitigate disruptions to the exams.
Despite these efforts, most businesses, including banks and schools in Umuahia and Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, have remained shut in response to the sit-at-home directive. The shutdown has been notably effective in areas such as Obikabia, Ogbohill, and Main Park in Aba, with shops, markets, and other establishments staying closed.
The silence from the military and police on the reported killings has raised concerns among residents and observers, highlighting the ongoing tensions and instability in the region. As the situation develops, the need for clear communication and decisive action from authorities remains critical to restoring normalcy and ensuring the safety of the populace.
