Imo Residents Lament How Nigerian Soldiers Burnt Over 80 Houses In Their Community

Many residents of Izombe in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State have lamented the havoc and atrocity allegedly wreaked on their community by soldiers of the Nigerian Army, according to reports from our correspondents. The distraught indigenes told our reporters that the value of properties destroyed by soldiers in their community was not less than N1 billion.

According to them, Nigerian soldiers who were on a reprisal attack burnt no fewer than 80 houses, many cars and economic trees. The soldiers attached to the 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Owerri, reportedly clashed with the youths of the community.

In the process, a youth was killed, two soldiers murdered, their vehicle burnt and three rifles snatched. In a revenge mission, the army invaded the community in many vehicles, including Armoured Personnel Carriers and allegedly destroyed many properties.

The development caused the indigenes of the community, especially women and children, to flee the area for safety. A community leader, Chinedu Nnadi, had said the damage the army had done to the community would not be addressed in the next 30 years.

Chinedu Nnadi, who is the pastor in charge of He Reigns Chapel, Owerri, said the people had become refugees in neighboring communities. A man by the name, Kennedy Ike, whose house and that of his two children were razed down during the operation, said his life had been “made miserable”.

The army spokesperson for the 34 artillery brigade in Obinze and Owerri, Joseph Akuga, said the military hierarchy in the state would address the press on the issue.