That the security or the insecurity problem of Nigeria has escalated unimaginable proportions is no longer an issue to be discussed. That too many interested parties both national and international have voiced their indepth concern over this matter is also both in the past and ongoing. That certain regions in Nigeria have taken matters into their collective hands to guard and safe guide themselves from the doomsday horror that has befallen the nation is also a known fact.
That certain of these groups are not loved by the government is sad. But that they will not pack up and go away is also a known fact.
Currently a video that has gained considerable traction on the social media showed helicopters of obvious military identity flying over a village in which the people recording and onlooking were speaking Igbo language and complaining about these helicopters. Some of these commentators were obviously worried and disconcerted. Gunshots were also heard in this video, and the onlookers stated that the military helicopters were shooting.
Some weeks back, it was in the news that The members of the Eastern Security Network had an exchange of fire with some members of the Nigerian security. Since then, the area of Imo state has experienced an unprecedented military presence and some degree of high handedness.That the governor of the state Hope Uzodinma, who happens to be from the Orlu neck of the woods has given his overt approval of this military invasion is a known fact.
Reactions
Now contradictory and conflicting news is now hitting the airwaves concerning this state of affairs in that part of eastern Nigeria. Some are saying that the military air strike is real while others are saying that it was not as dire as the news media is making it out to be, warning that such news should not be blown out of proportion and out of context, as it could put lives of those in the area in jeopardy.
The first group reported thus –
The Nigerian military is currently carrying out airstrikes in Orlu, Imo State.
Some footage of the airstrikes shared online by residents of the area have shown people being subjected to military actions.
Nigerian military is carrying out air strikes in order to fish out operatives of Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, had set up the security network to secure communities against attacks from armed Fulani herdsmen.
In the viral videos, a helicopter belonging to Nigerian military is seen shooting into communities as residents run in panic for safety.
In one of the videos, a child could be heard crying and calling on the mother.
Others say
In Orlu, 33 clerics, elders allegedly detained as Army searches for Eastern Security Network camps
At least nine pastors and 24 church elders have been arrested by soldiers in search of the camps of the personnel of Eastern Security Network (ESN) owned by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in some parts of Orlu Senatorial District.
The church leaders, The Nation learnt, were arrested following the raids that started in January in Orlu communities, especially Njaba, Orsu and Oru East council areas.
While peace seemed to have been restored early February, the military in conjunction with the Intelligence Response Team of the police, stormed the areas last weekend.
Some of those arrested were Presiding Priest of Our Lord’s Sabbath in Umunam Atta Community, Njaba LGA, Rev. Chigozie Nwaka as well as a number of other clerics and church elders in Ubokoro Atta, Okporo, Okwudor.
It was gathered before the latest raid, soldiers invaded some churches, including House of Prayer International Covenant Church Okporo Orlu and arrested over 20 members of the church, including clerics.orlu-33-clerics-elders-allegedly-detained-as-army-searches-for-esn-camps
However, spokesman of the Imo Police Command, Orlando Ikeokwu, told The Nation he was not aware of the arrest and detention of any church member in connection with the Orlu crisis.
But the ongoing military operation in search of the camps of the personnel of the ESN has created panic in Orlu, Njaba and Orsu Local Government Areas.
Our correspondent learnt there has been heavy presence of the military in the communities since last Friday.
Army spokesperson of the 34 artillery Brigade, Obinze, Owerri, Babatunde Zubairu, who confirmed the operation, said the locals were not being harassed.
He confirmed the deployment of helicopters and other military gadgets in the operations, adding the operation was an offshoot of military intelligence.
An indigene of Umunam Atta Community in Njaba council area, Andrew Ibe, said: “The truth of the matter is that the soldiers are not beating anyone.
“But our concern here is that there may be shooting any moment since their helicopter is hovering over our houses.
“Again, they arrested one of our respected indigenes, who is a priest in the Sabbath Church here. Since Saturday, when he was arrested, nobody has told us why that is so”.
An indigene of Uda Orsuihiteukwa in the Orsu LGA told our correspondent that though no indigene was shot by the military the operation was causing serious panic in the area.
He said “Situation now calm in Udah, Orsuihiteukwa. Military helicopters have left my area a while ago after the surveilance mission. All security Hilux vans have left Udah community for their respective bases.
“Civilians were not in any way harassed in the exercise. No casualties. The invasion may have been warranted by intelligence reports.
“The leaders and office bearers from Orlu zone should address this security instability in our zone now. This is not healthy for the progress and advancement of the biggest Senatorial Zone in Nigeria.”
While another group has this to say –
The youth wing of the Igbo apex socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), has berated a viral picture of military operations in Orlu area of Imo State in south eastern Nigeria.
Media footage of the airstrikes shared online by residents of the area have shown people being subjected to military actions.
Nigerian military is carrying out air strikes in order to fish out operatives of Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, had set up the security network to secure communities against attacks from armed Fulani herdsmen.
But, Ohanaeze Youth Council, OYC, led by Igboayaka O Igboayaka, in a statement issued on Thursday night, posited that there was no deployment of hardware for aerial bombardment in Orlu, and expressed concern over unverified claims of military airstrike in order to create tension or disaffection among the people on the social media.
According to the group, what has been happening in Orlu since three days was merely a routine check by the army who combed the bushes in the area to ensure it was crime free and devoid of armed criminal gangs who may be hanging around to foment trouble or cause disorder.
OYC said it had observed that some certain groups are always fond of spreading falsehood, propaganda and sensationalized materials on social media with the wrong motive to raise false alarm and create an impression of what is not actually real.
The Igbo youth group insists there is no cause for alarm in Orlu as the city remained calm and the people going about their legitimate activities without any interruption or violence.
OYC statement partly read, “The youth body of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) ably led by Comrade Igboayaka O Igboayaka as the national President , can authoritatively confirm, that contrary to viral media reports that the military deployed their jets and other hardware for an aerial bombardment in Orlu, there was no such incident today in the Imo state town.
“Although military jets were sighted hovering round the bush, media reports of a military bombardment and killing of inhabitants in Orlu town were entirely false and misleading. The public should disregard such reports and not take it seriously.
“It has been observed that some certain groups are always fond of spreading falsehood, propaganda and sensationalized materials on social media with the wrong motive to raise false alarm and create an impression of what is not actually real.
“Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) hereby advice such groups and individuals to desist henceforth from exploiting the emotions and sensibilities of the people for their own selfish gains.”
