Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has formally written to the Nigerian Army expressing his condolences following the deadly attack on an army checkpoint in Umuahia, which resulted in the deaths of several soldiers.
In a letter addressed to the acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, dated November 14, 2024, and made available to the press on Saturday, Otti condemned the attack, which occurred in the boundary town of Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government Area of the state. The letter was personally signed by the governor.
“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,” Governor Otti wrote. “This unwarranted and mindless attack targeted at our gallant soldiers, who have remained steadfast in ensuring the security of lives and property in Abia State, is highly condemnable.”
The governor extended his condolences to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 82 Division in Enugu, the Commander of the 14 Brigade in Ohafia, and the Commanding Officer of the 145 Battalion in Umuahia, where the fallen soldiers were based. He also conveyed his sympathy to the immediate families of the slain soldiers and those who were injured in the attack.
Recalling a similar attack earlier this year, Governor Otti noted, “On May 30th, this year, a similar event occurred at the Obikabia Junction near Aba. Together with your men and other security agencies, we initiated a manhunt for the criminals, and fortunately, the masterminds were apprehended.”
The governor reassured the Nigerian Army that the Abia State Government would not rest until those responsible for the latest attack are apprehended and brought to justice. “My administration is committed to working hand in hand with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation to unmask those behind this cowardly attack,” Otti stated.
He also expressed plans to reach out to the families of the soldiers involved to provide support during their time of mourning. “In due course, I will make contact with the immediate families of all the soldiers affected to support them as they grieve their loss,” he added.
The attack occurred early on Wednesday morning at approximately 6:18 AM, when gunmen ambushed the army checkpoint located at the Abia-Imo/Abia boundary community of Ekenobizi in Umuopara. The assailants struck swiftly, leading to the tragic deaths of the soldiers.
