ONE FEARED DEAD, FIVE BUILDINGS BURNT, AS SOLDIERS, IPOB’s SECURITY OUTFIT CLASH IN IMO COMMUNITY

One person has been reported dead while scores of others were wounded in a clash between Nigerian Army and Eastern Security Network, a security outfit of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) in Imo State.

It was gathered that the soldiers who were in a military operation in the area stormed Okporo Orlu community, suspected to be operational base of the IPOB newly formed Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Residents in the community alleged that there was a shoot-out between soldiers and IPOB men, leaving several people wounded.

According to him, 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 set ablaze by “some armed security operatives” who invaded the area.

The IPOB Media Publicity Secretary told reporters that the soldiers are killing 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 the bush where we normally stay and work. We are not on the streets or roads we pursue terrorists in the bush and forest.”

Speaking the Garrison Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Brigadier Gen. Yusuf Tukura alleged that the people first killed security personnel.

He said on a telephone phone chat: “Why do you want to confirm from me. Did you confirm from them why they killed a policeman.”

The Imo State Police Public Relations officer, Orlando Ikeokwu said that he was not aware of any causalities but “what I know is that there is a military operation going on in the area.”

Meanwhile, indigene were on Saturday seen moving out in droves from their communities for fear of being casualties.