31 May 2024 | 11:06 AM UTC
Nigeria: Militants kill five soldiers during ambush in Abia State May 30
Unidentified gunmen kill five soldiers during attack on a military checkpoint in Obignwa, Abia, State, Nigeria, May 30.
Unidentified gunmen killed five soldiers during an ambush on a military checkpoint in Obingwa local government area (LGA), Abia State, near Aba May 30. Officials confirmed the raid occurred at Obikabia junction. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack but authorities blamed the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for the incident.
Security forces will likely deploy to search for the perpetrators and could lead to localized transport disruptions. Security forces may establish roadblocks and checkpoints. Further armed attacks targeting security forces are possible.
Keep away from any location where security forces appear to be deploying; exit the area at the first sign of any confrontation. Heed instructions from authorities.
IPOB seeks the independence of the southeastern region following the previous attempt at independence by the Republic of Biafra, which sparked a three-year civil war that ended in 1970. Deep divisions remain between Biafra separatists and the central government; the Federal High Court of Abuja labeled the group a terrorist organization in 2017. The so-called Biafra region geographically includes various southeastern states inhabited by the Igbo people, including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers.
