RESIDENTS FLEE ABIA COMMUNITY AFTER GUNMEN ATTACK ON MILITARY CHECKPOINT. (PHOTO).

 Residents flee Abia community after gunmen attack on military checkpoint

The Ekenobizi community in Umopara, Umuahia South LGA of Abia State has been deserted by youths following the Wednesday attack on a checkpoint of Nigerian Army by unknown gunmen.

There is fear of a reprisal attack on the community by the military, MAGIC FM gathered.

The attack claimed the lives of some soldiers and has been condemned by Governor Alex Otti who has also promised that his administration would collaborate with security agencies in arresting those responsible.

However, many youths of the community who fled the community since Wednesday, are yet to return, as they are afraid of falling victim if the military decides to retaliate.

Also, economic activities like trading and farming are at the lowest ebb.

Speaking on the matter, a former governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, Lucky Igbokwe condemned the killing of the Nigerian soldiers, describing it as barbaric, heinous and wicked.

He urged the military authorities to go after those responsible for the attack but to spare the innocent members of Ekenobizi of any reprisal.

According to Igbokwe, a high level intelligence gathering and globally accepted standard should be used in getting the attackers, not invasion of the area.

Also, the President of Enyioma Foundation, Enyinnaya Duke-Ako Atuloma added his voice in condemning the killing of the soldiers, describing it as senseless and atrocious.

He, however, appealed to the military authorities to apply professionalism in the search for the real attackers and pleaded that the community should not be invaded in reprisal.