11 feared killed as soldiers battle gunmen in Abia state
- Nigerian soldiers have reportedly averted a planned attack by unknown gunmen in Abia state
- A military source spoke about the casualties suffered in the incident
- The Abia state government has reacted to the planned attack on the soldiers
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Eleven people have reportedly been shot dead in a gun duel between soldiers and gunmen in Abia state on Tuesday night, March 23.
According to The Nation, the gun battle occurred at Ariaria junction on the Enugu/Port Harcourt Expressway at about 8.30 pm.
Source: Twitter
The publication reported that the soldiers acting on intelligence learnt that the gunmen numbering about 50 planned to attack them.
The troops who laid in ambush were said to have opened fire immediately the attackers arrived on the scene.
According to Vanguard, a top military source who did not want to be named said 11 gunmen were killed while there was no casualty on the side of the army.
He said:
“No soldier was killed, but we killed 11 of the gunmen. I assure the public that there was no casualty among the soldiers.
Reacting to the incident, Abia state government commended the soldiers for their gallantry.
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Commissioner for information, John Okiyi Kalu, said every necessary measure to protect the good people of Abia state is welcomed.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian army has warned that it will take decisive action against individuals or groups attempting to compromise the territorial integrity of the country.
The warning was given by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. -Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, according to a statement issued by the army via its Facebook page.
Attahiru’s warning was delivered in Uyo at the 2021 commanding officers’ workshop in Akwa Ibom state.
In another news, the chief of defence staff, General Lucky Irabor, has assured Nigerians that the country will experience peace again in no distant time.
The military chief made the declaration on Monday, March 22 while delivering his speech at a national defence summit in Abuja.
The event attended by a Legit.ng reporter had a theme titled: “Promoting Kinetic Operations as a major Plank for Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency in Nigeria.
Kess Ewubare is a senior political/current affairs correspondent at Legit.ng. He has both a BSc and a Master’s degree in mass communication. He has over 10 years experience working in several fields of mass communication including radio, TV, newspaper, and online. He can be reached via email at kess2099@gmail.com.
Source: Legit.ng
