Troops disperse rampaging IPOB/ESN hoodlums carrying out arson in Imo

Troops conducting Exercise GOLDEN DAWN on Monday (22 November 2021) dispersed IPOB/ESN hoodlums carrying out arson while enforcing the “illegitimate” sit-at-home order imposed by the proscribed group at Awo-Mmamma Community, Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State.

Confirming the report, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Nigerian Army Major Abubakar Abdullahi said in the quest to compel citizens to comply with the unlawful order, IPOB/ESN criminals indulged in harassment, intimidation, and physical abuse of commuters going about their lawful businesses.

Abdullahi said the criminals went further to carry out arson and destruction of businesses and homes at Ishieke junction (on Owerri-Onitsha expressway) as a vendetta against the citizens for not complying with the illegal order.

He added that the hoodlums who had earlier blocked the highway, set ablaze a commercial vehicle heading towards Onitsha.

Abdullahi said vigilant troops responding to distress calls by motorists and shop owners swiftly moved to the scene and engaged the hoodlums in a firefight.

He said the troops overwhelmed the hoodlums forcing them to scamper in different directions.

He further stated that the troops pursued the hoodlums to their hideout in Akatta Community in Oru East LGA, where a member of the group was neutralized in the shootout.

Abdullahi said while the troops engaged the hoodlums in their hideout, other members of the group who alleged that some individuals had volunteered information to the troops mustered at Ishieke junction and set ablaze houses and businesses of law-abiding citizens.

He said the troops again returned to the junction to disperse the hoodlums, adding that a gallant soldier paid the supreme price in defence of the people.

Abdullahi said it was on record that since the sad events of 5 April 2021 when some unscrupulous elements invaded the Custodial Centre in Owerri and freed more than 1,800 inmates, there had been an upsurge in crimes and criminalities such as kidnapping, carjacking, robbery, unwarranted killing, and arson in Imo State.

He said these criminal elements had since then wreaked havoc in the State and its environs.

Abdullahi said even in the face of unwholesome propaganda by IPOB/ESN, other criminal elements, and their collaborators to misinform and mislead Nigerians on the truth regarding the arson at Awo-Mmamma, the Nigerian Army would continue to remain professional.

He appealed to the good people of Imo State to ignore the propaganda and threats by IPOB and its affiliate groups, who despite their deceitful calls canceling the Monday sit at home order, had continued to “intimidate and harass citizens who come out to do their legitimate business.”