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:

Can the @HQNigerianArmy @DefenceInfoNG please communicate what’s going on here in Orlu Town to the public?

It certainly has the appearance of a war scene.

Is an entire town under combat operation from our Military?

Can the C-in-C let Nigerians know who ordered this operation? https://t.co/6tT8ML9pn1

— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) January 25, 2021

Orlu is on fire.

Where is isi opioro mango man that sneaked into Douglas House through septic tank?

What is he doing? What are men of the Nigerian Military doing in a peaceful town like Orlu? pic.twitter.com/RlIvrj98Ql

— Aji Bussu Onye Mpiawa azụ 🇨🇮 (@AfamDeluxo) January 25, 2021

Please share this so that everyone can see it ! It’s happening right now in ORLU IMO STATE.. this was sent to me by a friend . Heard they radio stations close by are not allow the witnesses talk about it . Their is WAR. Orlu isn’t safe guys . pic.twitter.com/vkS1pHIbJE

— LADYPURITY👑 (@Lady_purity5) January 25, 2021

This is orlu, Imo State, she was killed by a stray bullet, another innocent life cut short. all side should cease hostilities for the sake of peace. @Hope_Uzodimma1 do something to address the situation before it spiral out of control …. pic.twitter.com/uj4tKPdaU0

— Harrison Onuoha (@chukwunaeduya) January 25, 2021

https://twitter.com/EmekaGift/status/1353684830337298434?s=20

Hello world the Nigeria army is commiting genocide against the Igbo's in ORLU IMO State pic.twitter.com/mi04i9VpXX

— Biafra son (@biafrason77) January 25, 2021

We have seen what @HQNigerianArmy did today in Orlu, Imo State. This is what @PoliceNG did to Shiite protesters today in Abuja. #EndSARS was a protest against extrajudicial killings and lack of respect for citizenship. It's time to return to the streets. #RevolutionNow pic.twitter.com/n35m7MKBaS

— JuwonSanyaolu (@AyowoleSanyaolu) January 25, 2021

Orlu is on fire right now!!

Military men dressed in their uniforms are reportedly going from street to street killing people in their homes & shops, setting places ablaze. RT for awareness!!pic.twitter.com/4Vl9cbQpLT

— Kevin  (@Kevin_eth1) January 25, 2021

Everyone engage see wetin dey happen for Orlu Imo State pic.twitter.com/ftw5G1qFvi

— DIABLO 🥶😈⚽ (@MaziOdih) January 25, 2021

■HAPPENING NOW….
TERRORISTS IN NIGERIAN ARMY UNIFORM ARE KILLING ORLU RESIDENTS IN BROAD DAYLIGHT

The world should come and see what Hope Uzodinma, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, George Obiozor and Nigerian Army are doing to innocent law abiding citizens in Orlu. #EndSARS pic.twitter.com/MAiE7GXCx7

— #OrluisBleeding (@joechristoinfo) January 25, 2021

Thid is St. Mary's Catholic Church, Amaifeke, Orlu, Imo State.

Please retweet and let people know of this unrest especially travellers pic.twitter.com/mfFbprkuKZ

— Prince of Serenren 😈 (@ezydaniel) January 25, 2021

Eastern Security Network Guiding And Pushing The Fulani Foreign Invaders In Nigeria Military Uniform From Killing The Innocent Youths In Orlu 25/1/2021.

Weldon Work #ESN#WeMove pic.twitter.com/iVGwpNHWYn

— Stateless For Now Until #Biafra is Free (@princeiel) January 25, 2021

Live In Orlu:"Terrorists In Nigerian Army Uniform Are Killing Orlu Residents In Broad Daylight. If Uzodinma Fails To Withdraw These Fulani Terrorists In Army Back To #Obinze Army Barracks In The Next Hour, The New Revolution Will Start At Douglas House Owerri Tonight".-MNK Wrote pic.twitter.com/ihbhCg2Pfp

— Somto Okonkwo 𓃵 (@General_Somto) January 25, 2021

@USinNigeria @UKinNigeria @EUinNigeria @IsraelinNigeria @StateDept @UN This is @HQNigerianArmy that you have been funding for years that couldn't defeat Fulani Herdsmen, #BokoHaram ISWAP, Fulani Bandits etc. but has power to kill civilians in ORLU today. pic.twitter.com/VVPW0Ch3Bb

— Mazi Nnamdi Kanu (@MaziNnamdiKanu) January 25, 2021

https://twitter.com/gidok2010/status/1353749689766707202?s=20

Orlu local government is on fire 🔥🔥 now @ESN …men are doing there job under one command @MaziNnamdiKanu @Carolynkimbrly @radiobiafralive @princeiel @SaharaReporters @NigeriaGov pic.twitter.com/MrbXaWCdZy

— Chinedu Nwafor Biafra (@EMMAJesussir1) January 25, 2021

NIGERIAN MILITARY INVADES ORLU IN IMO STATE,SHOOTS CITIZENS AND DESTROYING RESIDENTIAL HOUSES. @AmnestyNigeria@GoogleExpertUK@MaziNnamdiKanu @UNHumanRights @hrw @JudicialWatch @StateDept @SecPompeo pic.twitter.com/7AM3pbN1UN

— The Mouthpiece (@Real_AmakaIke) January 25, 2021

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.