Tragedy struck in Aba, Abia State, as a soldier identified only as David was reportedly killed by suspected cultists at Ohanku Road in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area. David, a Lance Corporal serving in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, had returned home to Aba to visit his parents following a successful appendicitis surgery and was on leave.
According to sources, assailants dressed in black allegedly tracked him to his family home and carried out the attack in the presence of his mother. Army sources from the 14 Brigade in Ohafia confirmed that David was not serving under their command but indicated that the attack may have involved suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Eyewitnesses described the horrifying scene. A local resident, who identified himself as Chigozie, stated that David was not involved in cult activities but was known to protect friends who were. He recounted, “We saw him playing football in the field before the incident. He was not in uniform when the attackers came. His mother pleaded with them to spare him, but they refused, telling her he was their target. She watched as they killed him. It was very traumatic, and I don’t think she will recover soon.”
Following the attack, soldiers have reportedly begun making arrests in the area as investigations continue, and the community remains on high alert. The incident has reignited concerns about rising insecurity and targeted attacks in parts of Abia State, highlighting the urgent need for intensified security measures to protect civilians and military personnel alike.