Many people were feared dead as soldiers and militants clashed in Izombe, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.
NOHR gathered that the battle started on Saturday after suspected militants in the area attacked and killed a truck driver. The incident resulted to increase in security patrol teams in the affected community. NOHR learned that several houses have been burnt down by security forces since Saturday. Videos and photos of burnt houses said to be from the community were shared on social media on Monday
NOHR has reported several clashes between Nigerian security operatives and gunmen suspected to be members of the Eastern Security Network(ESN) the armed wing of the separatist group the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)
A Military spokesperson Captain Joseph Akubo, confirmed the incident. He said: “The soldiers were on routine patrol in the area when they came under attack by the youths.
“Two days ago, a Dangote Truck driver was killed coupled with other criminal activities, which had necessitated increased patrol. So as the soldiers were on normal exercise, they came under attack.“I cannot tell you the casualty figure because the youth are still attacking our men and taking cover in the buildings in the neighborhood.”
NOHR learned that many residents of the community have fled their homes as tension remains high.
