PRESS STATEMENT: Army denies killing of soldier in Abia community

Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima

The Nigerian Army has debunked a story making rounds on social media that troops are on a vengeance mission in some communities in Abia State following the death of six soldiers in a clash with ESN/IPOB terrorists.

The Army says the story further alleged that as a result, residents of Elu, Amangwu, and Amaekpu in Ohafia LGA have embarked on a mass exodus out of fear.

Denying this story in a statement released by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima, and made available to Prime Business Africa on Monday morning, the Army described the allegation as a baseless fabrication aimed at not only tarnishing the good image of the Army but to create distrust between the public and security agents in the state.

Stating what it referred to as the true position, the Nigerian Army said that troops carried out routine clearance operations in line with the rules of engagement and respect for fundamental human rights of the citizens aimed to restore socio-economic activities which were hitherto disrupted by criminal activities of IPOB/ESN elements who attack security agents and government infrastructures.

“Troops of the Nigerian Army working in conjunction with personnel of Nigeria Police and other security agencies leveraging on timely and accurate intelligence provided by patriotic citizens, are working tirelessly to restore normalcy to troubled areas and to rid the state of criminal elements”, the statement read.

The Army reassured the good people of Abia State of the safety of their lives and property and also urged 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.

Tension has heightened in some parts of the South East region of the country following the killings of security operatives and the destruction of government establishments by some unknown gunmen, resulting in clashes and gun battles with the military, police, and other security agents.

Editor