The Nigerian military has vowed to avenge the killing of five soldiers in Abia state in Thursday, May 30, 2024.

Reports indicate that the soldiers were killed by gunmen enforcing a sit-at-home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) while commemorating the Igbo people who died during the Nigerian Civil War that occurred between 1967 and 1970.

The defense headquarters on Friday, May 31, 2024, accused IPOB and its military wing, Eastern Security Network, ESN, of killing the soldiers.

According to reports, the killing occurred at Obikabia Junction in the Obingwa Local Government Area of the state.

In an official statement on Friday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, said the military would avenge the killing of the soldiers and that the military's response would be fierce.

"We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat," Buba said.

Narrating what transpired during the attack, Buba said, “Troops of OP UDO KA deployed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Areas adjourning Aba metropolis in Abia State were attacked and sadly killed by terrorists of IPOB/ ESN.

“The troops deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were massively attacked by the terrorists. The terrorists in 3 tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint, sprang a surprise attack on the checkpoint," as quoted by Saharareporters.

"The armed forces mourn the death of these troops as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss," he said.

He revealed that an investigation had been launched into the tragic incident.

He said, “Overall, it must be reiterated that the lifeline of the terrorist is the people and this situation is no exemption. Winning the war without the support of the people is close to impossible. The IPOB capitalised on this to perpetrate attacks on the troops. The situation leaves more to be desired.

“Accordingly, it is absolutely imperative that the military retaliate against this dastardly act against troops. The military would be fierce in its response. We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat," he vowed.