Reports from Ihiala Local Government of Anambra State indicate that not less than five soldiers lost their lives when unknown gunmen attacked the military checkpoint along Owerri-Onitsha road.
The attack occurred around 8:30 pm on Friday night.
The State’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Toçhukwu Ikenga, confirmed the attack.
Meanwhile, commuters coming or going out from Anambra state through Onitsha bridge head, a border with Asaba (Delta State), and another between Amansea (Anambra) and Ugwuoba (Enugu state) were having hectic time as armed military men mount road blocks at both sides (old and expressway).
It was learnt that the soldiers usually command travellers to stop, on board the vehicles and walk with their hands raised above heads as their drivers were being searched before been allowed to move out.
Although it was not clear if the attacks had anything to do with the roadblocks being mounted by the soldiers or the sit-at-home order which a pro-Biafran group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) slated to hold between May 30 and 31 respectively in honour of departed Biafra heroes.
Already Anambra State government has placed a ban on driving shuttle buses, Keke (tricycles) and motorcycles (okada) in any part of the state between 7 pm to 6 am daily due to security challenges in the state.
