Soldiers of the 144 Battalion, stationed at Ariaria junction, along the Enugu – Port Harcourt expressway, Wednesday, killed 11 gunmen who engaged them in a fierce gun battle. This is coming 48 hours after three policemen were ambushed and murdered by hoodlums in Abiriba, in Ohafia council area of the state.

The gunmen, said to be numbering about 50, engaged the soldiers at their checkpoint at the Ariaria junction. Sources told Vanguard that before the gunmen arrived the area; the soldiers had gathered intelligence and laid in wait for them. As soon as the gunmen arrived, they opened fire, but the soldiers responded. In the ensuing gun duel which was said to have lasted for over 30 minutes, 11 persons were shot dead in the duel as they bowed to superior fire power of the soldiers. Other members of the gang reportedly fled with bullet wounds.

However, there are conflicting reports about the number of casualties; while some sources said 16 persons were killed, among them, a soldier, a top military source in Aba said only 11 gunmen were killed while there was no casualty on the side of the army. “No soldier was killed, but we killed 11 of the gunmen. I assure the public that there was no casualty among the soldiers.” he said. Reacting to the incident, Abia State government commended the soldiers for their gallantry, stressing that it is committed to the protection of lives and properties of the residents of the state. Commissioner for Information,Chief John Okiyi Kalu, who stated this, warned youths of the state not to put themselves in harm’s way by attacking security agents under any guise. “It is a good development; we welcome every necessary measure to protect the good people of Abia State. We call on our young men and women not to put themselves in harm’s way by attacking security agents under any guise. We also urge them not to allow themselves to be used by politicians for any reason to cause insecurity. Abia State government will do everything possible to protect law-abiding citizens without fear.”

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/03/soldiers-kill-11-gunmen-in-abia/

Interesting development. If na Sambisa, the story would have been different. I won't be surprised if half of the number killed are innocent passers by.

lols they quickly paid vanguard to change the narrative. Hope innocent civilians were not killed and tagged gunmen

We call on all sides to show restraint

samyj2477:
lols they quickly paid vanguard to change the narrative. Hope innocent civilians were not killed and tagged gunmen

anybody supporting hersmen, bandits, ipob can't b innocent

they will kill us, we kill them, at the end, BIAFRA nno

jamiudinho:

anybody supporting hersmen, bandits, ipob can't b innocent

Jamiu northern terrorist

samyj2477:
Jamiu northern terrorist

And you are Eastern terrorist.
11 Eastern terrorists have been minus.