Army denies operation in Abia, says no soldier was killed in Ohafia

Obinwannem News Army denies operation in Abia, says no soldier was killed in Ohafia

The Nigerian Army has refuted reports that claimed six (6) soldiers were killed, following an alleged clash between the troops and the unidentified gunmen in Ohafia, Abia State.

This was conveyed in a statement on Monday, by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima, who said the speculations that soldiers were on a vengeance mission in Ohafia, over the six soldiers killed in a raid, was false.

The military spokesman stressed that the army was aware of a report trending on social media that “soldiers were in a clash with the members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN)”.

According to him, the alleged report made the residents of Elu, Amangwu, and Amaekpu in Ohafia Local Government of the state, embark on a massive exodus, out of fear.

“The Nigerian army, wishes to debunk the allegation as a baseless fabrication, aimed at not only tarnishing the good image of the Nigerian Army, but to create distrust between the public and security agents in the state,” he said.

Narrating what transpired, the army spokesman said, “The true position is that troops carried out routine clearance operations in line with the rules of engagement and respect for fundamental human rights of the citizens aimed at restoring socio economic activities, which were hitherto disrupted by criminal activities of IPOB /ESN elements, who attack security agents and government infrastructure.

“Troops of the Nigerian Army, working in conjuction with personnel of Nigerian Police and other security agencies, leveraging on timely and accurate intelligence provided by patriotic citizens, are working tirelessly to restore normalcy to troubled areas and rid the state of criminal elements”.

Yerima, however, assured the Abia people for the safety of their lives and properties, urging them to report suspicious movements and activities of strange individuals or group in the vicinity to the nearest security agency for prompt action.

Ijeoma Njoku reporting, Obinwannem News | June 15, 2021

leave a reply

WP Radio
WP Radio
OFFLINE LIVE