‘Houses razed’ as soldiers invade Enugu community to arrest IPOB leaders

Some houses were set ablaze on Monday when soldiers invaded Imama, Mgbowo in Agwu LGA of Enugu state.

The soldiers were said to be after a suspect known as Chocho who is believed to be a leader of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the militant arm of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Sources said neighboring houses were destroyed as the soldiers fired into alleged hideouts of the suspect.

“The soldiers were chanting songs and burning properties in the community like they were at war with the community,” a source told TheCable.

“The villagers were surprised at the invasion because there had not been any attack by ESN members in recent time. We have not had any issue with IPOB or its security wing ESN. In short, it is the ESN that stopped herdsmen kidnappings, killings and rape of women in the community and around Awgu council area.”

Abubakar Abdullahi, spokesperson of the army’s 82 division in Enugu, however, said soldiers did not burn down houses during the raid.

“Troops of Joint Security Team have raided a suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) hideout located in Mgbowo, Awgu Local Government Area on 1 November 2021. During the night operation, two ring leaders of IPOB/ ESN were arrested. The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation with a security agency,” he said in a statement.

“It should be noted that, contrary to IPOB/ESN propaganda video, there was no incident of indiscriminate firing or unprovoked burning of houses during the raid. The joint operation in Agwu was conducted in the night and there was no destruction of any private property involved.

“The trending videos in circulation claiming to represent the aftermath of the night operation is not portraying the Agwu operation. It is meant to whip up sentiment and incite the public against the Army. Meanwhile, Investigation into the video is ongoing to ascertain when and where it was shot and those involved. Any personnel found culpable would be sanctioned accordingly. Updates will be communicated when investigation is completed.

“Members of the public are advised to disregard such propaganda materials intended to mislead the public. We shall continue to support other security agencies in line with our constitutional mandate in a professional manner. Any act of unprofessional conduct among our troops will not be tolerated.”