The troops of the Nigerian Army have gunned down an unidentified gunman at Ihuoma community, Orlu Local Governor Area of IMO State.
The gunman is believed to be a members of the Eastern Security Network, the militant wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra responsible for the mayhem in the South East.
The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, said in a state on Monday the troops outgunned the militants while they were enforcing the illegal sit at home order in the area,
Gunmen suspected to be members of the Eastern Security Network went berserk at the popular Banana Junction, Nkem-Ito Junction and others and killed an in identified person, inflicted gunshot injuries on several others and burnt Ukwu Aki Brothel, the popular Inland Guest House and others on Sunday.
Sources attributed the Orlu violence to a clash between members of ESN and Ebubeagwu operatives who were said to have arrived Orlu on Saturday.
Nwachukwu urged members of the public to ignore what described to be a doctored video in circulation alleging troops complicity in the crimes committed by the group.
“Troops of 34 Artillery Brigade Nigerian Army (NA) on Sunday 17 April 2022 neutralised a member of IPOB and its armed affiliate Eastern Security Network(ESN) at Ihioma Community in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State.
“Troops on routine patrol encountered members of the irredentist group who fired sporadically at Banana Junction to enforce the illegal sit at home order on law abiding citizens going about their legitimate businesses.
“The IPOB/ESN criminals on sighting the troops withdrew in a blue Toyota Highlander towards Ihioma community for reinforcement.
“In the fire fight that ensued during the operation, one of the criminals was taken out, while others fled in disarray. Troops are combing the general area in a follow up operations to track down the fleeing dissidents.
“Having suffered casualty and effectively denied freedom of action by the troops, the irredentist group have resorted to cheap propaganda to whip up public sentiments by circulating a doctored video on the social media alleging troops complicity in their mindless atrocities. This propaganda should be disregarded in its entirety.”
