Gunmen launched an assault on an army checkpoint early Wednesday, November 13, 2024, resulting in the tragic deaths of two soldiers. The attack took place around 6:18 am at Ekenobizi, a border area between Abia and Imo states within the Umuopara region of Umuahia South Local Government Area.

According to military sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the attackers approached in a white Lexus (350/400) model, though the exact number of assailants remains unclear. The strike was confirmed by Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA in an official statement later that day. “In the early hours of today, 13 November 2024, troops stationed at a checkpoint along the Umuahia–Owerri Road in Abia State encountered an assault by the irredentist group Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network,” Unuakhalu disclosed.

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During the confrontation, the soldiers fought back, forcing the attackers to flee. The gunmen reportedly retreated with injuries, abandoning two vehicles used in the assault—a Sienna and a Lexus Jeep. However, the firefight tragically claimed the lives of two soldiers, who were described by military officials as having “paid the supreme price.”

The Joint Task Force South East has appealed to residents in the region, especially within Abia State, to provide any credible information that could aid in locating the fleeing attackers and addressing escalating criminal activity. Emphasizing their commitment to safeguarding lives and maintaining regional stability, the task force reiterated its dedication to protecting citizens following global standards and adhering to the rules of engagement.