A Member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been killed by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade in Imo State.
In a statement in Abuja on Monday, Army spokesperson, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu said that the gunman was killed during a gun battle at Ihioma Community in Orlu local government.
Nwachukwu said on sighting the troops, the IPOB/ESN criminals withdrew in a blue Toyota Highlander towards Ihioma community for reinforcement.
“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, one of the criminals was taken out, while others fled in disarray. Troops are combing the general area in a follow-up operation to track down the fleeing dissidents.”
“Having suffered casualties and effectively denied freedom of action by the troops, the group has resorted to cheap propaganda to whip up public sentiments.
“This, they have done by circulating a doctored video on social media alleging troops’ complicity in their mindless atrocities. This propaganda should be disregarded in its entirety,” the statement said.
