By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – The Nigerian Army has said its is false that 6 of its men were killed by members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) during a clash in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.
This is just as it dismissed reports that troops were on revenge mission over the killing of their colleagues.
ESN is the military wing of the Federal Government proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist group in the Southeast region of the country.
The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima, in a statement issued on Monday, June, 14, 2021, said contrary to reports, no soldier was killed in the state.
Yerima said the rumour was a baseless fabrication aimed at tarnishing the good image of the Nigerian Army as well as creating distrust between the public and security agents in the state.
He further stated that reports that residents of Elu, Amangwu, and Amaekpu in Ohafia LGA had embarked on mass exodus out of fear was unfounded.
The Army Spokesman explained that troops only carried out routine clearance operations in the area in line with the rules of engagement and respect for the fundamental human rights of citizens.
According to him, the operation was aimed at restoring socio-economic activities which had been disrupted by criminal activities of IPOB/ESN elements who had attacked security agents and destroyed government infrastructure.
He assured that troops, in conjunction with personnel of the Nigeria Police and other security agencies leveraging on timely and accurate intelligence provided by patriotic citizens, were working tirelessly to restore normalcy to troubled spots and to rid the state of criminal elements.
Yerima said: “We wish to reassure the good people of Abia of the safety of their lives and property.
“We also urge them to continue to report suspicious movements and activities of strange individuals or groups in their vicinity to the nearest security agency for prompt action,” he said.