BREAKING: Fierce Gun Battle Erupts Between Soldiers and Unknown Gunmen in Abia Community

BREAKING: Fierce Gun Battle Erupts Between Soldiers and Unknown Gunmen in Abia Community

A intense gun battle is currently underway between personnel of the Nigerian Army's 14 Brigade, Ohafia, and unidentified gunmen in Mbata, Umuchima village, Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Abia State. The clash, which began around 6 a.m. on Monday, November 25, 2024, has left the community in a state of panic.

According to eyewitnesses, over 15 Hilux vehicles and armored personnel carriers arrived at Umuchima village, targeting suspected gunmen who were reportedly camped near a river that marks the boundary between Abia and the Mbaise axis of Imo State .

The soldiers have taken control of key junctions leading in and out of the village, while others engage the gunmen in nearby bushes. The sound of gunfire has persisted, with no official statements from the Nigerian Army or the Abia State Government.

This latest development comes on the heels of a recent attack on soldiers by unknown gunmen in Umuahia, Abia State, which resulted in the killing of two soldiers . The incident had sparked tension in the community, with fears of a possible reprisal attack by the Army.

Senator Austin Akobundu, representing Abia Central district, had appealed to the Nigerian Army not to resort to reprisal attacks, calling for calm and restraint in the face of the recent violence .

The situation in Abia State remains volatile, with concerns growing about the potential for further violence and instability in the region. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the Nigerian government must take immediate action to address the growing insecurity in Abia State and ensure that citizens are protected from the rampant violence.