Major-General Edward Buba, the Director,  Defence Media Operations on Friday, May 31 affirmed that  it is absolutely imperative that the military retaliate against the ambush and killing of five officers of the Nigerian Army killed by unknown gunmen in Aba, Abia State.


Describing the act as  dastardly, Gen Buba declared that  "The military would  be  fierce  in its response. We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure  their total defeat", he stated in a press release on the incident which took place on Thursday, May 30, in  Aba, commercial city of Abia State as the unknown gunmen enforced the sit-at-home orders declared by IPOB in commemoration of Igbos who died in the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War.


Buba in the statement explained that the 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 terrorist of IPOB/ ESN"


According to him, the troops were deployed to enforce peace in  the area and protect the citizens, however they were massed attacked by the gunmen 


"The terrorist in 3 tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from built up areas surrounding the checkpoint, sprang a surprise attack on the checkpoint. 


"The attack sadly took the lives of  5 personnel of the armed forces killed in action. 


"The armed forces mourns the death of these troops as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss.Meanwhile, investigation are ongoing concerning the attack. 


"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" Buba stated