Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, is gripped by tension after the killing of five soldiers by suspected IPOB members. Soldiers are now patrolling the city, making random arrests to find those responsible for the attack.
The military presence is particularly hard on families who rely on daily earnings, as their ability to work has been disrupted.
The killings have sparked widespread condemnation. Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and PDP candidate Atiku Abubakar both condemned the attack, urging the government to take decisive action.
On Thursday, gunmen attacked a military unit at Obikabia Junction in Aba, killing five soldiers and six civilians, and burning the unit and a patrol van. Some soldiers managed to escape.
Peter Obi called the attack a “dastardly act” and a stark reminder of Nigeria’s escalating insecurity. He called for a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Atiku stressed the need to separate criminal elements from legitimate agitators and called for a political solution to address issues related to Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed IPOB.
Defence Minister Dr. Muhammed Bello Matawalle condemned the killings as barbaric and vowed that those responsible would face justice. He extended condolences to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian military, urging them to continue their efforts despite the attack.
