Abia Checkpoint Attack: Nigerian Army Reopens Umuahia-Mbaise Road

The Nigerian Army has reopened the Umuahia-Mbaise road, which had been closed by security operatives after an attack on a military checkpoint at Ekenobizi last Wednesday.

The road reopening followed a visit by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Nigerian Army Enugu, Major General Hassan Dada, accompanied by senior military officers, including the Commander of the 14 Brigade, Ohafia, Brigadier General Olusola Diya.

During the visit, the GOC’s team, alongside the Special Adviser to the Abia State Governor on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (retd.), resolved to relocate the military checkpoint from its current location at Ekenobizi to an area near the Onuimo River. The new site offers a clearer view, enhancing security measures.

Commander Ubah explained that the original checkpoint location was in a built-up area, which limited the military’s ability to respond effectively to the attack.

He added that the traditional ruler of Ezeleke Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Ibeakanma, and other community leaders had cooperated with the military to facilitate the relocation, acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the road closure.

“Communities in the area have volunteered to clear the new checkpoint location and pledged to provide information to security operatives to enhance safety in the area,” Ubah said.

He urged the public to continue supporting the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in their efforts to tackle insecurity.

The Commanding Officer of the 145 Battalion, Umuahia, Major Martin Domkat, and other senior military officers were also part of the GOC’s entourage.

The road closure had forced motorists using the Umuahia-Owerri road via Ekenobizi to seek alternate routes after the attack, which claimed the lives of two soldiers. The reopening of the road is expected to ease movement and restore normalcy to the area.