Senator Abaribe's Encounter with Soldiers in Abia State

The Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, faced a distressing situation when he was instructed to exit his Land Cruiser bulletproof SUV by soldiers following the tragic killing of five military personnel at Obikabia junction military checkpoint in Aba, Abia State on Thursday.

The incident transpired amidst unrest triggered by unidentified gunmen who perpetrated the attack on the soldiers during the Biafra Day celebrations on May 30.

In response to the escalating tensions, security reinforcements were dispatched, leading to roadblocks in strategic zones of Aba North Local Government and neighboring villages in the Obingwa region. Senator Abaribe found himself met with a military barricade at Itu Ngwa village en route to a funeral service in Obingwa, prompting the soldiers to halt his vehicle.

Despite efforts by his police security detail, Joe, to clarify the situation, the soldiers insisted that Senator Abaribe disembark from his vehicle. After complying and enduring a delay, he was eventually permitted to continue his journey.

Reports from attendees at the funeral disclosed that Senator Abaribe sought to soothe the tension by reaching out to Governor Alex Otti for a statement addressing the unfolding events. However, Governor Otti opted against releasing a statement to prevent exacerbating the already delicate circumstances.

Upon returning home post-funeral, Senator Abaribe encountered yet another group of soldiers who repeated the directive for him to leave his bulletproof SUV. Despite identifying himself as a senator, he was required to await their approval before departing, undergoing another brief detainment before being released.

Subsequently altering his route to Umuahia instead of Ohuru in Obingwa LGA, Senator Abaribe promptly flew back to Abuja the following day.

The people of Abia express regret over the tribulations faced by Senator Abaribe, recognizing his unwavering dedication to prioritizing the welfare of his constituents.