Gunmen launched an assault on a military checkpoint in Abia State on the morning of November 13, heightening security concerns in the region. The attack, which took place in Umuopara, Ekenobizi area of Umuahia South Local Government Area, brought intense gunfire to the checkpoint positioned near Onu Imo, the boundary between Abia and Imo states.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the assailants, dressed entirely in black, advancing on the checkpoint, firing sporadically. In a chilling warning captured on video, one of the gunmen was heard issuing direct threats against Governor Alex Chioma Otti, demanding the dismantling of military checkpoints in the area and declaring intentions to remove his administration if their orders were ignored.
The gunman’s message, recorded in part, warned, “Today is the 13th of November, 2024. Alex, we’re dismantling this checkpoint, and we’re giving you a direct order not to come close. If we see this nonsense again, you are gone, Alex.”
This is not the first time that checkpoints in Abia have come under attack. Just last week, military personnel from Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks in Ohafia foiled an attempted strike by gunmen targeting police and military checkpoints in the region.
The recent attacks underscore escalating tensions and the volatile security situation in Abia and surrounding areas. In light of these events, local authorities are under pressure to address security vulnerabilities and protect both citizens and government installations.
