Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia State, was the scene of intense violence yesterday as gunmen, believed to be enforcing a sit-at-home order, launched a coordinated attack on the city.
The assailants, who were clad in hooded garments and travelled in a two-tone ash Sienna and a Hummer bus, targeted several locations along the Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway.
The attackers set fire to a commercial bus en route to Port Harcourt, a Lexus SUV belonging to a medical director, and another vehicle with a government number plate. They also vandalized a fast-food restaurant, shattering its windows.
In response to the attack, soldiers from the 14 Brigade quickly mobilized and cordoned off the Osisioma-Port Harcourt Expressway Junction. Traffic was diverted to alternative routes as the military engaged the gunmen in a fierce gun battle.
The clash led to the death of one of the attackers and injuries to several others. The soldiers managed to recover one of the Sienna vehicles and a Land Cruiser used by the assailants, both stained with blood.
The violence has caused tension among residents as this is the fourth attack in the city in the last three months.
