Sergeant Lucky Ikpeama, one of five soldiers killed in a recent attack, was buried in his father’s compound at Umubefu Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South.

Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti, who previously announced full scholarships for the children of all slain soldiers, used the occasion to urge for peace and an end to the violence.

Gunmen, suspected to be IPOB members enforcing a sit-at-home order, attacked a military unit in Ogbor Hill on May 30. Several soldiers were killed, and patrol vans were burned.

The state government condemned the attack and offered condolences to the families and military leadership.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu, commiserated with the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed A. Lagbaja, and the Military High Command in the country for the unfortunate incident.

The statement further emphasized the negative impact of the attack on Abia’s efforts in the last one year to restore the city’s public infrastructure and reposition it as an attractive investment destination for local and foreign businesses.

Governor Otti reaffirmed his commitment to supporting security agencies in their mission to protect lives and property.