Gunmen attacked an army checkpoint early Wednesday morning at Ekenobizi, a border community between Abia and Imo states in Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government Area, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers.

A military source, speaking anonymously, stated that the attack occurred around 6:18 am when the gunmen arrived in a white Lexus (350/400) model. The exact number of attackers, however, could not be confirmed.

In a statement on Wednesday, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA confirmed the incident, saying, “In the early hours of today, 13 November 2024, troops stationed at a checkpoint along the Umuahia-Owerri Road in Umuahia South came under attack by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).”

Unuakhalu added that despite the assault, the troops successfully repelled the attackers, forcing them to retreat in disarray, abandoning one Sienna and one Lexus Jeep used in the attack. Unfortunately, two soldiers lost their lives in the firefight.

The Joint Task Force appealed to residents, particularly those in Abia State, for any credible information to assist in tracking down the attackers and combating criminal elements in the region. The force reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property in line with global best practices and the rules of engagement.