Tension in Imo community over impending soldiers, IPOB group’s clash

Tension has enveloped communities in the Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State following the decision of soldiers to indiscriminately fire gunshots ostensibly to stop alleged planned attacks by men of the Eastern Security Network in the area.

Members of the ESN, being sponsored by the Indigenous People of Biafra, were said to have regrouped for confrontation with security operatives and insisted that they must leave the town.

This was after Governor Hope Uzodimma had lifted the dusk-to-dawn curfew he imposed on the 10 council areas of the Imo West Senatorial District (Orlu) to forestall further destruction of lives and property.

A resident of Osu Ihitte Ukwa in the Orsu council area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Punch correspondent that the shooting, which started on Wednesday evening, forced many residents of the area to desert their homes, while commercial activities and vehicular movement was paralysed.

He said a military helicopter hovered round the area and caused anxiety among the people.

However, the Nigerian Air Force said the helicopter belonged to the Joint Task Force and was dispatched to foil the plan of the ESN men.

Parents and guardians withdrew their children and wards from schools in the area, while riot policemen continued to patrol the area.

– Punch