Nigerian soldiers have reportedly invaded Mgbowo community in the Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, burning houses.
SaharaReporters gathered that the incident caused panic and anxiety in the area as residents fled to nearby bushes. Although no reason has been given for the invasion; however, no fewer than five residential houses were reportedly burnt by the soldiers.
A resident of the community, Clement Ogonna told SaharaReporters that the villagers were woken up by the sound of gunshots, which he said fell on roofs like raindrops. Ogonna said the soldiers entered Amaeta village in Mgbowo through a girls’ secondary school while shooting indiscriminately.
“While the villagers ran helter-skelter, the soldiers moved to Urulor premises in Okegu hamlet and burnt buildings.”After burning down (a) building in Okegu hamlet, they moved to Ogudu hamlet and burnt three houses before moving to Isingwu.
“As we speak, the soldiers are burning houses in Isingwn; you can see smoke plummeting the air.” He further stated that none of the villagers could say why the invading soldiers targeted them.
SaharaReporters could not ascertain whether anybody was killed or arrested as the operation was still going on at press time. In the last two weeks, there have been attacks on security checkpoints, and no less than 10 people including security personnel were killed.
About two years ago, same Isingwu was invaded by troops of Nigerian Army, who also burnt houses. Meanwhile, neither the Army nor the police force has reacted to the incident. The Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu did not answer his calls when our correspondent tried to reach him on the phone. He also did not reply to a text message sent to his mobile line.
Also, the spokesperson for the state police command, DSP Daniel Ndukwe did not also answer his calls or reply to a text message sent to him.
