Editor
UMUAHIA – Fear and uncertainty have engulfed Mbata, Umuchima Village, in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State, as soldiers engage in a heated confrontation with suspected gunmen allegedly hiding in the surrounding bushes.
Military sources confirmed that the Nigerian Army deployed over 15 Hilux trucks and armored vehicles to the area, aiming to flush out the gunmen reportedly operating from a makeshift base near the river along the Abia/Imo state border at Mbaise.
“The operation, which began early this morning, has secured all junctions leading to and from the village,” a military source disclosed. “We have engaged the gunmen in the surrounding bushes in a bid to restore normalcy.”
The heightened military presence and ensuing gunfire have triggered widespread panic, forcing residents to flee to safer locations. Efforts to contact the Public Relations Officer of the 14 Brigade, Ohafia, Lt. Innocent Omale, for an official statement proved unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
This incident adds to a string of similar clashes between security forces and armed groups in parts of Abia State, underscoring the persistent security challenges in the region.
