Many Feared Dead, Houses Burnt As Soldiers Clashes With IPOB In Orlu, Imo State [Video]

Many people are feared dead and property destroyed as members of Eastern Security Network (ESN) set up by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) clashed with a combined team of police and soldiers in Orlu, Imo state.

It was gathered that the soldiers who were in military operation in the area stormed the community on Monday to dismantle the formations of the ESN, but was resisted by the superior forces of the IPOB vigilante allegedly killing one of the soldiers in the process.

The Nations quoted a resident in the area saying that there was shoot out between soliders and IPOB men and about five people were injured while one person was killed.

Also, about five buildings including a church, Blessed Holy Trinity Sabbath Mission, in Orlu Local Government Area were said to have been allegedly set ablaze by “the armed security operatives” who invaded the area.

“The burning of the church was carried out by those ecurity agents and the church that was burnt was the Holy Trinity Sabbath Mission in Orlu local government area.

“About five buildings were burnt and only one person was killed and the person was killed at the market square. I want to tell you that the incident happened on Friday early morning,” the source said.

Another eye witness claimed that 10 residents were allegedly killed by the Nigerian soldiers, who were in a retaliation mission, while over 13 houses and shops were razed.

“This was what happened, the soldiers came back to search for the vigilante people that killed their colleague, but in the process started shooting everybody they see, I can’t actually say how many have died, they are many but I think I counted over ten,” The Sun quoted him saying.

When contacted, the IPOB Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, said that the military operation was an attack against the Igbos because the soldiers are killing innocent civilians.

“The soldiers are killing civilians since this week in the area. How did we attack them first, did we go to their base and attack them first or they came to attack us in bush where we normally stay and work. We are not on the streets or roads we pusue terrorists in the bush and forest,” he stated.

“We shall not condone this any longer, we would not allow them to kill us again, we wouldn’t allow what happened in Obigbo to happen again in Biafra land. They can’t kill us because we have not done anything to them other than to protect our land and forest, they are just killing innocent civilians.”

Speaking the Garrison Commander, 34 Artillery Brigand, Obinze, Brig Gem. Yusuf Tukura alleged that the people first killed security personnel.

He told newsmen on the phone: ”Why do you want to confirm from me. Did you confirm from them why they killed a policeman.”

However, the state policespokesman, Orlando Ikeokwu said that he was not aware of any causalities but “what I know is that there is military operation going on in the area.”

Videos circulating on the social media showed soldiers firing gunshots in major streets as military operation continued in the affected town as of Monday evening.

At least four Hilux vans conveying heavily armed soldiers were seen patrolling the roads, while two vehicles filled with ESN personnel were sighted in another part of the town.

Four persons, including a middle-aged woman, were said to have been killed by stray bullets while some properties were burnt during the violent clash.

See some reactions, photos and video from the scene below:

KanyiDaily had also reported how three IPOB members and two Nigerian police officers lost their lives during a clash in Nnamdi Kanu lawyer’s home in Anambra State.